Timothy William Donovan Sr.

He was born on January 24, 1937, to his late parents Daniel and Margaret Donovan from Wethersfield, CT where he spent his childhood. Tim was the middle child of three, with an older brother Daniel and younger sister Mary Margaret.

After graduating Wethersfield High School in 1955, he enrolled in the Army. He was a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne where he actively served in Germany until 1958. After his military service, Tim spent most of his career as an employee for Stroehmann Bakery, and for eight of those years, he served as business agent for the Bakery and Confectionery Union. In 1989, he co-founded and was President of the highly successful lawn fertilization company, Grassmasters, of which he took great pride in.

He was a long-time resident of East Hartford, CT and was married to Marti (Daigneault) Donovan for 25 years and together they had six children, five sons and a daughter. He enjoyed spending time with his family and supporting his children in various sports through the years by coaching both youth football and baseball and spent many days at the barn watching his daughter ride horses.

Tim retired to Cape Cod, MA in 2000 with his significant other, Janet Lane. There he lived a simple life where he enjoyed being by the ocean and having the tidal marsh in his backyard. He had a passion for life, was a sports enthusiast, enjoyed reading and loved listening to music. He could tell a great story, (even embellish a bit at times), and he always managed to do things his way. He will be most remembered for his infectious personality and tenacity.

He will be greatly missed by so many, but notably his four sons, Timothy William Jr. of East Sandwich, MA, Gary and his wife Michelle of Ellington, CT, Kevin of Granby, CT, Steven of Newington, CT, and daughter Amy (Donovan) Godi and husband Tony of Tolland, CT. Tim was predeceased by his son Brian Richard, but they are now reunited. He is also survived by his brother Daniel Donovan and wife Kiyoko of Harrisburg, PA, and sister Mary Margaret Hayes of Pittsfield, MA. In addition to his children, he had 17 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren who loved him so and cherished their time together. He will continue to live on in all of us.

Calling hours for Tim will be held on Thursday July 27, 2023, from 4:00-6:00 pm at Benjamin J. Callahan Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Ave. in East Hartford, CT, followed by a Funeral Home Memorial Service at 6:00 pm. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CallahanFuneral.com for the Donovan family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the “Friends of the Cape Cod National Seashore” at www.FCCNS.org.