William Billy Donovan

WORCESTER-William R. "Billy" Donovan, III, died Thursday, December 15, 2016 at UMass Medical Center with his family by his side. He was also known as Billy the Kid (BTK), Silly Billy, Bilsky and "Joey"; he was anything but ordinary. If Billy loved something or someone it was unmistakable. Led by his firm Christian faith, knowing he was going to be with God and his long departed beloved parents Catherine (LaBeouf) and William, whom he missed dearly, comforts the friends and family he leaves behind.


Billy is survived by many cousins including the Geneva family of West Boylston, the Donovan family of Millbury, the Nugent family of Worcester and many close friends. He missed his dogs Duke and Duchess and loved his cat Molly. Billy drove for Red Cab for many years in his cab, %2381 and prior to that, he worked at Saint Vincent Hospital and Killeen Machine Tool Mfg. He enjoyed camping, canoeing, swimming and fishing, even sometimes without a license. A true American rebel whose favorite song was King of The Road. He collected pocket knives, loved his muscle cars and had a penchant for the ladies. Billy was a great storyteller, jokester and walking jukebox of classic rock, often writing song parodies on the fly. He would often be seen wearing a baseball hat (some with familiar Boston teams) or a bandana in true Rock & Roll Billy fashion. His wit and humor will be sorely missed.

Family and friends are invited to gather in the Mausoleum at St. John's Cemetery at 1pm on Monday, December 19 for a committal service. Arrangements are in the care of Callahan Fay & Caswell Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle Street, Worcester.