Francis J. Donovan MD

Donovan, Francis (Frank) Joseph M.D. recently of Dover NH, formerly of Watertown MA., Mirror Lake NH and Port Charlotte FL. left this life on Friday, September 7 surrounded by his family. He was the devoted husband of Marion (Conran) having had a long and happy marriage of almost 60 years. He was predeceased by his beloved son Brian in 1995.

Frank was born in Charlestown, MA to Dennis J. and Eleanor (Pickering) Donovan in 1923, and raised in Brighton MA. attending St. Columbkille School, Boston College High School, Boston College and Tufts School of Medicine. He was Board Certified in Internal Medicine with a special interest in diseases of the chest.

Dr. Donovan loved practicing medicine and did so for 45 years in the Boston / Watertown area. During his career, Frank was associated with St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Boston, serving as president of the medical staff during its centennial year. He also served as a clinical professor at Tufts School of Medicine. Dr. Donovan was devoted to Boston College and the Jesuit community. In addition to his private practice, he worked for the university’s health services and upon retirement from his practice, he became Associate Director of Health Services and remained in that position for five years. Frank loved Boston College football, sharing that enthusiasm with his family and friends and rarely missing a game.

Along with his wife, Dr. Donovan is survived by six of his children, daughters Jeanne Sayce, Darilyn, Judy Donovan Hann, and sons Francis Jr, Kenneth and David, and their respective spouses and friends. His grandchildren Jay, Erin, Tad, Heather, Kelly, Joe, Max, Ryan Marie, Emily, Lindsay, Brian, Kylie, Caity, Tiffany, Brianna, Brendan and Deirdre, along with his great granddaughters Olivia, Lauren and Lily, adored their “Papa”. Frank was a humble man with a gentle manner, a generous spirit and patience beyond measure. We will miss so many special moments like the sing-a-longs in the car, dinnertime jokes, and fishing. Frank may have been a quiet man, but the way he lived and loved said so much more than words could ever say.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated in honor of Frank’s life at St. Ignatius of Loyola at Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at 10 a.m. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.

The Bennett Funeral Home of Concord is in charge of the arrangements.