Timothy Donovan

Timothy Joseph Donovan, 85, of San Jose, California passed away comfortably in his home with his family nearby on December 1, 2021. He was blessed to have spent the last month of his life at home with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters, and friends surrounding him with love and laughter. He especially enjoyed watching his great-grandchildren run around, interacting with each other and other family members and giving him love.

Tim was born on September 15, 1936 in Brooklyn, New York where he was raised and attended Brooklyn Technical High School. Tim would then go on to graduate from Virginia Tech, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1959. Tim would also achieve a Master of Sciences from Adelphi University in 1965.

Tim began his professional career as an Engineer with Grumman in Long Island, New York before joining IBM in Kingston, New York. His work with IBM led him to relocate the family to San Jose, California where he continued to work as an engineer until his Irish gift for gab caused him to rethink his career path. Tim became determined to attend law school so that he could “fight for the little guy.” He graduated from University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law with a Juris Doctorate degree in 1972. Tim had a long and successful legal career, often giving the underdog a voice they would not otherwise have had.

Tim loved all things Irish – he was proud to have dual citizenship with both the U.S. and Ireland and was a member of the Irish Order of Hibernians. He traveled to Ireland numerous times, including a trip with his children and grandchildren, as well as immersing himself in Gaelic courses. Tim was also a world traveler – he loved exploring new places and creating friendships that lasted throughout his life.

Tim is survived by his daughters Marybeth and Suzanne and her husband Dave; his son Timothy M. and his wife Katherine; plus six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, as well as his two sisters, Pat and Joan, and his brother Kevin. He was preceded in death by his daughter Deidre and his sister Catherine.

A funeral mass will be held on Monday Dec 20, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. at Holy Spirit Church in San Jose, followed by interment at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers or for those desiring memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children Research Hospital.