Patrick James Donovan

Patrick was born April 26, 1937 at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville IL, the middle child of 3 siblings born to Patrick Donovan and Ellen (Crawley) Donovan. His parents, wife, brother and sister preceded him in death. On September 17, 1960 he married Alice Colleen Kelly at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church. They had two boys and raised their family in West Peoria Township.

He grew up on his family’s farm just outside of Murrayville IL, a small town roughly 10 miles south of Jacksonville. He attended grades K-8 at St. Bartholomew's Grade School in Murrayville, followed by 4 years at Routt Catholic High School in Jacksonville, which was an all-boy’s high school at the time. He was one of only three Freshmen to earn a spot on the Varsity football team but was restricted to the practice squad, in keeping with the school’s policy. After an injury during the last week of the season, his parents convinced him to give up the sport, lest he be unable to help on the family farm.

After graduation in 1955, he served in the U.S. Naval Reserve, and attended Quincy College, (now known as Quincy University) but returned home to help care for his ailing father, who passed away in 1957. Later that year, he moved to Peoria IL to work for his uncle Leo Donovan – the namesake of Donovan Park - as a sign painter producing billboards and window signage for local businesses. He later worked at the West Peoria Township Streets and Maintenance Department then finally at the Peoria Post Office from 1965 to 2001. After his retirement, he enjoyed air shows, photography, bird-watching, and visiting his sons and grandsons in Chicago on a monthly basis. He also made a terrific gravy for mashed potatoes, which was always in demand at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Known for his sense of humor and generosity, he will be missed by many nieces and nephews who enjoyed their time with “Uncle Pat”.

Beloved father of David Donovan of Chicago, IL, Douglas Donovan of Glenview, IL. Loving Grandfather of Kevin (Kara) Donovan of Lakewood, OH and Trevor Donovan of West Dundee, IL. Loving “Uncle Pat” to all his nieces and nephews including his niece Maureen Donovan and “Grandpa Pat” to her sons, Seth Donovan and Colin Donovan.

Cremation has been accorded and a Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 am on Monday, July 8, 2024 with visitation one hour prior to the service at St. Mark Catholic Church in Peoria. Burial of the urn will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in West Peoria. Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Words of comfort can be shared with the family at www.Davison-Fulton.com