John Donovan

John (Jack) Joseph Donovan, age 93, passed away peacefully at home in the presence of his loving family on February 20, 2018. Beloved husband for nearly 69 years of Marian Donovan (nee Michels), recently deceased. Devoted father to Paulette (Steve Herman), Mary Lu (Richard Collins), Sukantika, Tim, John, Tom (Geralyn), Fran (Sean Shaffer), and Sue (Joe Minogue). Treasured grandfather of Rich (Erin Kelly), Christopher, Elizabeth, Joseph, Caroline, Kaydee, Danny, Quinn, Maeve, Maddie, Grace, Mark and Eric, and tender great-grandfather of Fern and Stone Collins. Born in Chicago on March 21, 1924 to Michael and Mae Donovan, he was the loving brother of Bill (Beverly) Donovan and Patsy (Jan) Raye, all deceased. As a 17-year-old, Jack responded to the attack on Pearl Harbor by volunteering for the U.S. Navy. He served as an Aviation Radioman on an aircraft carrier in the Pacific through some of the deadliest and most consequential campaigns of World War II, including the Battles ofLeyte Gulf and Iwo Jima. He received numerous decorations for his service, including the Air Medal for meritorious achievement and the Presidential Unit Citation from President Harry Truman. After six years in the Navy, Jack returned home and met the love of his life at a Queen of Angels dance. He and Marian embarked on a life together in 1949 and started raising their own crew of eight.As a civilian, Jack continued a life of service. With encouragement from Marian and the help of the GI Bill, he obtained a degree in education from DePaul University and became a teacher at Scott Elementary School in Melrose Park where he taught for 38 years. In 1990, he switched careers to become a full-time family man and spent his days traveling with his wife, volunteering at church, enjoying his family, and going on thegrandchildren circuit, attending every school and sporting event possible.Jack was quiet in his faith and patriotism but vociferous in speaking out against injustice and inequity wherever he saw it. Devout, selfless, loyal and big-hearted, he moved through life with courage, tenacity and a strong work ethic learned from the lessons of The Depression and a World War. Throughout his life, he gave his all so that his country and children would have it all. Visitation will be held Friday, February 23rd from 3 to 9 pm at Cumberland Chapels (FRIEL FUNERAL DIRECTORS) 8300 West Lawrence Avenue, Norridge. Funeral Services Begin Saturday, February 24, 10 am at the funeral home and will proceed to St. Monica’s Church, 5136 N. Nottingham, Chicago, Funeral Mass 11am,. Interment with Military Honors, St. Joseph Cemetery , River Grove. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Monica Academy, 5115 N. Mont Clare Ave., Chicago, IL 60656.