William A. Donovan

William A. Donovan passed away peacefully on April 24, 2024. Bill was born on January 22, 1944, to Theresa A. Donovan and William D. Donovan. He was raised in Quincy, Massachusetts by his mother and older brother Paul W. Donovan who worked hard and sacrificed to give Bill a better life.

He was a gifted athlete and participated in track, baseball, and basketball. In high school, he was a member of the Quincy High School basketball team: the Firehouse Five who won the Tech Tournament in 1962. Bill was later inducted into the Quincy High School Hall of Fame for his remarkable contributions to his team. He was known as the “fastest man on the squad,” and ran the anchor leg of the 4 by 100 relay. He was active in the sports community where he coached girls’ basketball and sponsored many athletic teams. He also founded the Cub Scouts Olympics for the Sachem District, which served the Southshore of Massachusetts. He was a lifelong member of the YMCA in Quincy and Brockton, where he played racquetball 5 days a week.

Bill also served in United States Marine Corps Reserves from 1962-1970.

As a young man, he worked in sales, but he was especially proud of being the proprietor of The Kazimer Club in Brockton, Massachusetts. His employees became his second family, who until this day are loyal, trusted, and valued life-long friends.

He was a devoted father and husband and was proud of the educational and professional achievements of each and every one of his children and grandchildren. He was also an adored uncle, whose sense of humor and loving, blue eyes always made him the life of the party.

He will be remembered for his love of sports, his generosity, his thoughtful notes to his children, his loyalty, and his winning personality.

Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Theresa A. Donovan; his daughter, Darlene A. Donovan; and two brothers Paul Donovan and Vincent Violandi.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years Ann M. Donovan; his four children, William Akerblom (Catherine), Britt Babiarz, Michelle Cassinelli (Luigi), and Lisa Schwegel (Darren); five grandchildren, Taylor Babiarz, Kaitie Babiarz, Logan Kuiken, Margot Cassinelli, and Lily Schwegel; his sister Elaine Cochrane; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024 at Hodges Funeral Home the family will receive friends starting at 10:30.

In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made in Bill's memory to the Parkinson's Association of Southwest Florida (see link below).