Donald A Donovan

Donald A. Donovan 1936 - 2009 Millbury - Donald A. Donovan of Millbury, MA was taken home by the Lord on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 while surrounded by his loving family. Donald was born in Worcester, MA on January 4, 1936. His mother, Mary K. (Cooney) Donovan Nowalski, his oldest sister, Shirley T. Donovan, and his youngest brother, Kevin G. Nowalski, preceded him in death. He is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, Antoinette Leinani (Senckowski) Donovan, his loving daughter, Margaret M. Donovan of Millbury, along with the greatest joy of his life, his granddaughter, Maria Leinani Donovan, also of Millbury. Donald also leaves his younger sister, Susan M. (Nowalski) Brigham of Worcester, his younger brother, Joseph S. Nowalski of Port Charlotte, FL, and a very special niece, Alexis M. Montalvo, of Worcester. His aunt, Helen Ostberg, of Worcester, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews, also survives him. Don also leaves his entire Senckowski family, whom he held so dear to his heart, including his mother in-law, Julie M. Senckowski and the rest of her adult children: Joe, Bernie, Monica, Chris (who predeceased him in 02/2007), John, Pat, Theresa, Mike, Maria, Kathy and Lisa (and all of their families). Donald played such an integral role as a father-image to these Senckowski children throughout the years; guiding and supporting them through life's many challenges - we are forever grateful to you Donald! Donald also leaves his brother-in-law, Ricky Ciampi along with all his buddies on Shrewsbury Street, Worcester, with whom he had so many great times and loved so much. Don attended Harvard School of Business, achieving a certificate in business. He had an exceptionally keen entrepreneurial spirit, owning and operating many successful businesses over the years, including; Alex Johns & Son, Inc., Donovan Builders, The Red Barn (Westboro), Red Cab (formerly ITOA), the largest Taxi Company in Worcester, and he also acquired Arrow Cab, incorporating it into Red Cab. He also was a former member of the Worcester County Builders Association, and was a current member of The East Side Improvement Club, The Italian American Veterans Club - Post 3, and The Biscee Club, all on Shrewsbury St. He was also a member of The International Taxi and Limousine Association of America, as well as a lifelong parishioner of St. John's Catholic Church, Worcester. Donald always had a song in his heart for everyone, singing a special song for each person he loved. He also enjoyed summers at his home on Lake Manchaug, Douglas, MA as well as his winter escapes to his sunny home in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, welcoming family and friends to both havens. His generosity and loyal spirit will never be matched nor forgotten. Donald's wife, Toni, wishes to sincerely thank the Doctors, Nurses and Staff of UMass Hospital's 3 Lakeside Cardiac Care Unit, for their tireless dedication and exceptional care of her husband, Donald; they were Don's and Toni's Angels throughout those difficult days. To those who would like to join us in celebrating Donald's life, please come to our calling hours at Mercadante Funeral Home, 370 Plantation St., Worcester, on Sunday, December 6th, between the hours of 4pm and 8pm. His funeral Mass will be held at St. John's Catholic Church, 44 Temple St., Worcester, on Monday, December 7th at 11am; followed by his burial at Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester. We can still hear you singing those songs Donald, like - "Oh Baby, Oh Baby!" Only now, they live in our hearts, too! Life will never be the same without you, Donald!