Donovan, John William “Jack”

COLONIE- John William “Jack” Donovan, 87, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at St. Peter’s Hospice Inn, surrounded by his family.

John was born September 14, 1928 in South Troy, NY, to his late parents, James A. and Mary A. (Ryan) Donovan.

He graduated eighth grade from St. Joseph’s Grammar School, and after achieving an exceptional score on a citywide examination in mathematics, was offered a scholarship to LaSalle Institute in Troy, from which he graduated in 1945.He was the first in his family to attend college and graduated magna cum laude with a BBA in Accounting from Siena College in 1953, taking evening courses and working by day.

John spent his career working in the construction business, real estate development & sales, and financial management.He was a former Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator of the Cohoes Council Knights of Columbus and Exalted Ruler of the Cohoes Lodge of Elks.He was also a former communicant of St. Bernard’s Roman Catholic Church in Cohoes.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Patricia J. (Potrzuski) Donovan; his children, Jill Erin Kilkelly, MD (Shannon, DO), Nashville, TN; Ryan Patrick Donovan, New York City; Marianne Gula (Donald); William L. Donovan (Pamela); Patricia A. Donovan; John W. Donovan, Jr.; and Kathleen Donovan.He is also survived by his dear sister, Margaret “Peggy” Wojeski. He leaves behind several grandchildren and great grandchildren and was “Grandpa Jack” to Lochlan Kilkelly.He was godfather to Jessica Wilski Shambo and great friends with Larry King, with whom he shared breakfast frequently at Inga’s Diner.Many nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Richard E. Donovan; brother, James A. Donovan; and his sister, Kathleen “Kay/Sis” Donovan.

The family wishes to extend their thanks to the staff of nurses, chaplains, and volunteers at Hospice Inn for the excellent care of John.Special thanks to Rev. David Preisinger for his visits and comforting prayers.

Calling hours will be held Friday August 26, 2016 from 4-7 p.m. in the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, 490 Delaware Ave., Albany. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 9:45 a.m. in the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, and 10:30 a.m. at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, 57 Hurlbut St., Albany NY 12209. Burial will be in Holy Spirit Lutheran Cemetery, Glenmont.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit (“LCHS”) Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund or Community Hospice, Gift processing Center, 310 So. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208 would be sincerely appreciated.