Joseph James Donovan, Sr.

Joseph James Donovan, Sr., 76 of Holden, Ma died peacefully on Saturday, September 12, 2015 surrounded by his loving family and friends. Joseph is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 54 years, Mary Ann (Inangelo) Donovan. Joseph was born in Providence, Rhode Island to the late Clyde and Gertrude (Dorsey) Donovan. He was a devoted and loving father to his three sons, Joseph Jr. of Florida and his former wife Nancy Surabian, Philip and his wife Marlene of Holden, and Derek and his wife Tara of Spencer. Joseph was much loved by his nine grandchildren, Joseph III, Melinda, Tyler, Justin, Kayleigh, Brenna, Jack, Chad and Joseph, and ten great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was a loving brother to William Donovan and his wife Alyce, and his twin sister, Mary O'Connell. He was predeceased by his daughter, Melissa Altazan, his great grandson, Joseph J. Donovan, IV, his four sisters, Kitty Cardinale, Peggy Dansereau, Joan Perotto and Anne Zaborski and a brother, Jack Donovan. Joseph enlisted in the U.S Navy in 1957 and took great honor and pride in serving his country. Throughout most of his service, Joe was stationed on the U.S.S Harlan R. Dixon 708. He especially loved the time that he served out to sea. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Joe worked for many years in sales throughout Worcester County. Joe's greatest pride and joy was his family. He especially loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Joe also loved to travel with his wife Mary Ann, especially the trips that they took to Ireland and Italy. Joe made every holiday special, he loved to dress up as Santa to put a smile on his grandchildren's faces. He loved to entertain and have dinner parties and was well known for his extraordinary culinary skills which were enjoyed by many. Joe was a member of the Vernon Hill Post American Legion 435 and the Worcester Surf Casting Club where he once served as club president. He was an avid golfer and he also loved to garden. Joe loved to spend time at the ocean, whether it was fishing with his boys on the Cape Cod Canal or enjoying time with his family in Jamestown, RI. Many wonderful memories were made with his family and friends by his side. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Maggie Cabral, NP of the University of Massachusetts Cardiac Department for all her care and support. Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Joe's life from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 16th at the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. A Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2015 at Saint John's Church, 44 Temple Street, Worcester. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rose Monahan Hospice Home, 10 Judith Rd., Worcester, MA. 01602 or the Saint John's Church Food Pantry, 44 Temple Street, Worcester, MA. 01604. To share your thoughts and memories with the family, please visit Joe's personal guestbook at www.mercadantefuneral.com.