Francis Vincent Donovan, Jr. of Meriden, 89, passed away on Sunday, October 13, 2019 at Midstate Medical Center. He was the beloved husband and soulmate of Phyllis (Salvini) Donovan. Born on April 28, 1930 and raised in Boston, he was the son of Francis and Alice (Small) Donovan. He was a graduate of Boston English High School and met his wife of 64 years as undergraduates at the University of Massachusetts Amherst where he earned his BS degree in geology. A larger than life presence, Frank will be dearly missed by his children, Francis Kevin Donovan (Elizabeth Dabrowski), Margaret Jean Lezon (Robert Lezon), Brian Christopher Donovan (Nanette Kaczynski), Gregory Michael Donovan (NgocDiep Truong) and daughters-in-law MaryEllen Fogarty Donovan and Susan Donovan. He was predeceased by his son Patrick Sean Donovan. He also leaves nine loving grandchildren: Jeremey and Jennifer Donovan, Kathryn Lezon, John (Jack) and Matthew Donovan, Dillon and Brina Donovan and Carolyn and Ryan Donovan. He was predeceased by grandson Andrew Joseph Donovan. He proudly served two years with the US Army, first as field communications chief at Fort Benning, GA and Fort Knox, KY, then as troop information and education officer at Camp Gradinon near Bordeaux, France. He worked as an engineer at New Departure in Meriden and then at the Connecticut Public Expenditure Council in Hartford where he honed his governmental skills. He served 25 years on General Electric’s Corporate Governmental Affairs staff in Connecticut and Washington, DC and was part of a small team that relocated GE’s corporate headquarters from Manhattan to Fairfield, CT. Frank was always proud of his leading role in GE being the very first company in the U.S. to provide Hospice benefits to its employees. Other companies followed suit. After retiring from GE-Fairfield, he chaired the GE retired executives Elfun group of Fairfield County for several years. He also founded his own consulting company, Northeast Public Affairs, with a colleague. Frank was active in broadcasting for 50 years of his life, starting at WMUA, the FM radio station at UMass Amherst, and later as a producer/on-air host and political interviewer and commentator for Connecticut Public Television and Public Radio. He also hosted several radio programs including “Donovan on Broadway” which aired for 16 years on FM stereo station WBMI. Frank was a dedicated liturgical reader for many years at St. Rose of Lima Church in Meriden. He remained a member of GE’s Elfun group and was active until the time of his passing. He was a lifelong member of Sigma Phi Epsilon’s UMass chapter and a longtime member of the University Associates Investment Club of Hartford, the Ys Men of Meriden, and the BOOBs (Band of Old Broadcasters) who meet every month at the Arch Street Tavern in Hartford for live Big Band music. An enthusiastic traveler with a zest for life, Frank took his family on camping trips to 48 states and most of the provinces of Canada and on a family trip to Europe when his children were teenagers. He also found great joy in sailing on bareboat charters in the Caribbean for 15 years. He and his wife traveled all over the world visiting 77 countries. Frank had a curious mind and a passion for learning. A born teacher, he was always eager to pass on his knowledge to others. His mantra was “Family, family, family” and he was happiest at family gatherings offering counsel or sharing his frustration and love of the Red Sox or Patriots. He possessed a sharp sense of humor, jokingly dubbing himself “Mr. Wonderful” and often living up to the title. Frank’s family will receive relatives and friends in The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 North Main St. Ext., Thursday, October 17, 2019 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 am. A Mass of Christian burial will be Celebrated at 11:00 am on Friday directly at St. Rose of Lima Church in Meriden. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to St. Rose of Lima Church, 35 Center St., Meriden, CT 06450 or Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405. For online condolences or directions visit www.wallingfordfh.com
Wallingford Funeral Home
809 North Main Street Ext.
Wallingford
06492
203-269-7777
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