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Official Obituary of

Michael J. Donovan

December 13, 2014
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Michael Donovan Obituary

Marion  - Michael Joseph “Donovan, 89, of New Bedford and Bourne passed away surrounded by family on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at Sippican Health Care Center after a courageous battle with cancer. He was the husband of Florence (Otocki) Donovan, with whom he shared 66 years of marriage.

Born in New Bedford, son of the late Jeremiah and Hanorah (Norton) Donovan, he lived in the area all his life.  He was a communicant of St. Mary'’s Church, New Bedford. Mr. Donovan was a retired correctional officer with the Dept. of Corrections, MCI Bridgewater.

He was a WWII veteran serving in the U.S. Navy Armed Guard as a gunner on the Liberty Ships, Ponce de Leon and Seatrain Lakehurst in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean.  He was a member of the Veterans Association of Bristol County and VFW Poirier Post.

Before his illness, Mr. Donovan enjoyed traveling to Ireland each year, working on his homes, shell fishing and spending time helping family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Florence; son Michael D. Donovan and wife, Patricia of Rochester; his daughters, Deborah Gauthier of Bourne and Karen Gregory and husband, William of Stone Mountain, GA; brother, Richard S. Donovan; four grandchildren, Katie Liberty, Jennifer Szabo, Gage Donovan and Seth Donovan; four great-grandchildren, Patrick Liberty, Emilia Szabo, Anna Liberty and Natalie Donovan.

He was the brother of the late Jeremiah F., Andrew H., John P., Thomas J., and Francis P. Donovan.

Private arrangements are with Machnowski Funeral Home, 472 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Cancer Research Institute, National Headquarters, One Exchange Plaza, 55 Broadway, Suite 1802, New York, NY 10006  
www.cancerreasearch.org


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