Robert James Donovan

Rob lived a joyful and adventurous life, marked by service, dedication, and a deep commitment to his family and community. Good-natured and exuberant, with a quick wit and big, mischievous smile, Rob never said “no” to a request for help, from singing the national anthem over the public address system when the recording broke at a high school football game to chauffeuring kids to their sporting events in his iconic red Pontiac Aztek. Rob’s tall tales delighted all who knew him, even if the stories grew more amazing with each re-telling.

Born on September 9, 1952, in the Bronx, New York, Rob went to Chaminade High School in Mineola, NY, and then earned a BA from The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he was a ROTC scholarship recipient. Rob maintained close ties to both schools and the lifelong friends he made at each one.

Upon graduation, Rob served honorably in the United States Navy, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Rob concluded his distinguished naval career as the Public Affairs Officer at Naval District Washington, and his time in uniform reflected his unwavering sense of duty and leadership. Following his military service, Rob served as a Program Manager with the United States Energy Association (USEA), where his work contributed to the ability of Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia to synchronously connect their electricity networks with Western Europe at the end of the Cold War — an achievement that helped end nearly a century of Soviet and Russian domination in the region. Rob’s work left an enduring legacy.

Rob served on the boards of Borromeo Housing, the Glen Forest Community Association, and Creative Cauldron - a local, non-profit, professional theater company. Following a memorable stint as a little league announcer, Rob became the voice for the Mustangs, lending colorful commentary to high school football, soccer and sometimes even field hockey games. Rob was a fixture in local, school and sports communities during his years in the City of Falls Church, where his volunteer efforts and community contributions led to his selection as Grand Marshal of the Memorial Day Parade in 2019.

He is survived by his beloved wife Kathleen Donovan; daughter Mary Catherine Donovan; sons Daniel and Evan Donovan; daughter-in-law Tracey Donovan; grandsons Valen and Hendryx Donovan; brothers Donald, Richard, and Gregg Donovan; and sister Elizabeth Donovan.

Rob was preceded in death by his parents, James Robert Donovan and Catherine Keeley Donovan.

Rob’s legacy lives on through the family he loved so dearly and the countless lives he impacted. May his memory bring comfort and a smile to those who knew him and continue to inspire all who strive to make a meaningful difference in the world. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rob’s memory can be made to Creative Cauldron, 127 E. Broad Street, Falls Church, VA 22046.

A Funeral Mass will be held on May 30, 2025 at 10:30am at St. Anthony of Padua, located 3305 Glen Carlyn Road, Arlington, VA 22041.