Commander (USN, Retired) David Anthony Donovan, II

Born in Brooklyn, NY, Dave graduated from Brooklyn Technical HS, which he attended while a member of the Naval Reserve. Upon graduation, Dave entered the U.S. Naval Academy during the summer of 1955. Assigned to the 13th Company, Dave was active in intramural softball, soccer and cross-country. While at the Academy, he met his future bride, Nancy Wertz of Baltimore, on a blind date at a Navy football game. Dave and Nancy were later married at the Naval Academy Chapel in December of 1959.

Upon graduation, he served as Boilers Officer on USS CANBERRA (CAG-2), deploying once to the Mediterranean and participating in CANBERRA’s “Round-the-World Cruise”. Dave completed Submarine School in 1961 and then reported to USS SEA LEOPARD (SS 483). While aboard SEA LEOPARD, a unit of ASW Task Group Alfa, he served as Chief Engineer, deploying once to the Mediterranean and also playing a key part in the October 1962 naval blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis. From 1964 to 1968, he served as Navigator aboard USS JOHN C. CALHOUN (SSBN-630). After a tour on the staff of COMSUBLANT, he reported to USS BARRACUDA (SST-3) in 1970 as Executive Officer.

After next earning an MS Degree at NPS Monterey, Dave was selected for the Engineering Duty Program and served for two years in the Production Department at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. From 1977 to 1981, he was assigned as NAVSEA Project Manager Representative for construction of submarines at Newport News Shipbuilding, earning a Meritorious Service Medal for his work with the LOS ANGELES Class project.

After leaving the Navy in 1981, he worked for many years in the ship repair industry in the Hampton Roads area. In managing Habitability Improvement Projects, he enjoyed working on every class of surface combatant ships in the Fleet before retiring in 2005.

Dave had a wide range of interests, including golfing, boating, and listening to opera. In particular, he was an avid golfer and enjoyed spreading his love of the game to his sons, son-in-law, and grandchildren. He achieved every golfer’s dream: to play a round of golf at Pebble Beach, to make a hole in one, and to walk the greens of Augusta National at the Masters.

Dave is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Nancy, sons David III (Linda) and Brian (Angela), daughter Laura Edwards (Jon), seven grandchildren, David IV and Mary Katherine; Alexandra and Brian James; Jonathan (Meghan), Lindsay (Capt. Will Henry Mullins, USAF) and Lauren; and three great grandchildren (Rory, Michael, and Eleanora Mullins).

The family will receive guests at a viewing at 11:00 am at Woodlawn Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk on Saturday, February 8, 2025, with the funeral service to follow at 12:00 noon. Please visit his webpage at www.woodlawnnorfolk.com to leave a note of condolence to the family.