I am so sorry to hear of my dear "Uncle" Ric's passing.  My father and he grew up together.  We shared a birthday, 30 years apart.  He was my godfather.  We spoke by phone occasionally, but I know that was getting difficult for him.  My Christmas card just came back today.
Uncle Ric was witty and humble. His unassuming manner made his stories even funnier.  I remember his and my father's laughter long into the night when I was a little girl.  I could just hear the story he told John Mahon, below.  I am a proud English major of Iona College, spent many a day in the Philosophy Dept in my work-study job. 
Dear Ric, you made my father's life immeasurably better.  You and Laura were always gracious and kind.  I miss knowing you are here, but I am consoled that you and Laura are together and you can laugh with my Da again. God bless. 

Dear Members of Rick's Family,

As faculty members at Iona, Ellen and I knew Rick well. I worked with Rick for over 40 years before I retired.  At one point, we were chairs of our respective academic departments, Philosophy and English, and I remember well that we worked together for the advancement of the liberal arts at Iona, where other academic disciplines were always more favored than ours. He was a fine scholar and popular teacher who was on good terms with all of his fellow faculty members. 

I will always remember one of Rick's stories, about experiences with his family business as funeral directors (is the funeral home that handled his wake and burial a descendant of the Donovan business?). He explained how, one night, when the funeral parlor had to pick up a body at a private home or a hospital, the pick-up was made. The body  
was placed in a hearse for transport to the funeral home. As the 
hearse climbed a hill, the rear door of the hearse fell open and the body dropped onto the pavement and started back downhill. Somehow, the runaway was stopped before any damage was done. But I have never forgotten the story!

Eternal rest grant unto Rick, O Lord, and may eternal light shine upon him, and may his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. And may all of his friends and loved ones find consolation in memories of a warm and loving man, always ready to help his neighbor and to reach out to those in need.

Peace,
John and Ellen Mahon



Dear Rick,

You were a true friend and an unassuming intellectual and colleague. Publicly you were the delightful, charming and rare Upper East-Side New Yorker. 

Above all, you were the peacemaker with malice for none. Your religion was close to your heart and Christianity was your center.

Even though we are all a little less without you and Laura, we are nonetheless comforted by your example. Thank you.

Love,
Kilian & Grace (Currey)

Sending many condolences and comfort to Rickard's family and friends during this season.

We celebrate the long and rich life of Rick.
He influenced the lives of his extended family, friends and the students of Iona College .
We mourn his passing from this life.
Rick has gone from us but he has not gone far only to God who is always in our midst.
Catherine (cousin) and Seamus Fox

Very sad to hear of the passing of rick a true gent and a great sense of great witt and fun and knoledge when i was last in the usa sorley missed from all your couisons  and Cunnane family here in the Emerld isle Ireland. R.I.P.  

OBITUARY

Rickard Donovan

November 20, 1931 – December 15, 2022

Chas. Peter Nagel Funeral Directors

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