Frank M. Donovan

Frank M. Donovan, age 86, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 6, 2021 with his loving family by his side.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Frank grew up in the nearby town of Dedham. Adventurous and entrepreneurial as a child, he worked hard throughout his school years at a variety of seasonal jobs that spanned everything from golf caddy to snow shoveler to road construction. When school was in session, he was also a dedicated football and hockey player. This work ethic carried over to his studies and after graduating from Dedham High School, he went on to earn degrees from both Boston College (B.S., Magna Cum Laude, 1956) and Temple University (MBA, 1970).

After earning his degree from Boston College, Frank was hired by the Ford Motor Company in Detroit, Michigan. From this point forward, he would embark on a career that included projects ranging from working with Walt Disney planning exhibits for the 1964 New York World’s Fair to the Space Shuttle Program while working at Aerojet General Corporation. He retired from Illinois Tool Works, Inc. where he had guided the property investment group.

In his spare time, even though he was a Boston College alumni, Frank passionately followed the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team and was rarely seen without his beloved Notre Dame hat. He was an avid reader, particularly current events, and could often be found reading the Chicago Tribune front to back.

Frank always found himself returning to his love of gardening and enjoying time outdoors. Accompanied by his cat, he would often spend time observing the activities of the birds, squirrels and deer that visited the backyard.

Good natured and kind, he will be missed by all those blessed to call him a friend.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Barbara Donovan (nee Siemion); loving children, Carolyn Donovan, James (Nicole) Donovan, MD., Brian (Ellen) Donovan; dear granddaughters, Keeley and Emily; and siblings, Charles Donovan, Mary Sweeney, Eleanor Palma, and Kathleen Feldmann.

Preceded in death by his parents, Cornelius and Margaret Donovan; siblings., Robert Donovan, Patricia Burns, and Dorothy Flemming.

A visitation for Frank will be held from 4pm until 8pm on Friday, February 12 at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 941 S. Old Rand Rd., Lake Zurich, IL 60047. A second visitation will be held the next morning from 9:30am until prayers at 10:30am followed by a procession to St. Peter Catholic Church in Volo, IL for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am. Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township, MI on Wednesday February 17, 2021 at 1pm.