David W. Donovan

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David W. Donovan, 86, of Springfield, on June 12, 2026, at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, following a brief illness. Born in Dover, NH, in October 1939, and raised in Lynn, MA, he was the son of the late William F. and Annette A. (Bois) Donovan.

Dave was predeceased by his beloved wife of 61 years, Patricia; brother Philip; sister Marcia Lambert; and brother-in-law Bob Lambert. He is survived by daughters Maura (Lynn) of Nova Scotia and Amy (Chris) of Greenfield; brother William (Linda), Andover; brother-in-law Ted Downing (Mary), Beverly; beloved grandsons Liam and Ben; and many dear cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, and former colleagues. His loss is felt deeply by all.

Dave was quiet, unassuming, patient, and kind, but he was not to be underestimated. An avid and skilled skier and ice skater, Dave was a member of the legendary 1956 and 1957 Lynn English High School State Champions hockey team. The "Rink Rats" dominated the 1956 season with their undefeated 21-0-0 record. After Dave scored 6 goals during the 1957 state finals, including the winning goal in the quarterfinal, Lynn Item sports editor Red Hoffman Jr. dubbed him "Dave the Rave.” At Merrimack College, where he earned a BS in Business, Dave enjoyed four years of college hockey with the Merrimack Warriors, switching from right wing to defense. He continued to skate for most of his life, and in the early 2000s could be found rollerblading through the Edgemere neighborhood of Shrewsbury with his West Highland Terrier, Buddy, in tow.

Dave worked as an accountant, comptroller, and VP Finance for manufacturing and software firms in four states. He was also a U.S. Navy Aviation Reservist and a member of St. Cecilia Church in Wilbraham, and at various times volunteered with United Way, Catholic Charities, and Wilbraham Public Access.

David and Patricia spent 30 happy years on Nine Mile Pond in Wilbraham, raising their daughters and warmly opening their home to friends, family, and anyone in need of a soft place to land. While Pat was both the listening ear and the life of the party, Dave worked behind the scenes to keep things moving forward, always slightly amused at the goings on and ready to make a subtle, well-timed joke.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, July 14, at St. Cecilia Church, 42 Main St., Wilbraham, followed by burial in Adams Cemetery, 153 Tinkham Rd., Wilbraham, and a luncheon reception. Friends, neighbors and relatives who cannot attend the luncheon are welcome to greet the immediate family at the church between 10:15 and 10:45 AM.

No flowers please, but donations in Dave’s memory may be made to your local Meals on Wheels or the Springfield meals program that was so important to Dave for the past 18months (Donate online at www.gsssi.org , or make checks payable to Greater Springfield Senior Services (and write “Meals Program” on the “For” line).

To leave an online condolence, visit www.nowakfuneral.com

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Dave’s daughters wish to extend gratitude to all of his medical providers for their excellent care, especially Dr. Peluso and team and the staff at Baystate Medical Center, Baystate Memory Clinic, and Sosin Center for Rehabilitation; and to friends Rosemary, Sheila, Dawn, and Cosmo, for their steadfast support and care of both Pat and Dave

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