David J. Donovan

David J. Donovan was born to parents Helen and David Donovan in New York City on April 29th, 1928. He had three sisters, Eileen, Patty and Terry. David’s sister, Eileen, shared this story. When David was young he used to run away all the time and their mother would send Eileen to find him. One Saturday David said, “I’m going to run away.” Eileen said “Not this Saturday I’ve got something to do. You can do it next Saturday.”

He and his friends Tommy Terminelli, Artie Englert, and Lenny Katz have fond memories of growing up on 88th Street in Yorksville, Manhattan. They swam in the East River, and played hockey at the public park where Gracie Mansion was at that time a comfort station and ice cream stand.

On weekends the boys would go camping at Squantz Pond in Connecticut. Years later he would build a weekend home not far from Squantz Pond and he and his wife, Billie, entertained friends and family every weekend.

On April 29th, 1945 at the age of 17 he joined the United States Marines and served in WW11. He was recalled for the Korean conflict. While stationed at Camp Lejune he met his wife, Billie, also serving in the women’s Marines. They were married in North Carolina on July 28th, 1951 and were happily married for 62 years.

After discharge from the U.S. Marines they settled in New York City. David worked 3 to 4 years with his father- in- law as a purchasing agent in the carpet industry. His brother- in- law, Mike, brought him into the film editing business as a freelance editor for documentaries and the major motion pictures Hawaii and The Pink Panther. He retired in 1998 from CBS where he was a film editor for the evening news.

David was a lifetime member of the NRA and an avid gun and weapons collector. He also collected antique swords and knives. His favorite past time was going tag sales on the weekends. He was also an accomplished carpenter, woodworker, and built furniture.

After visiting friends in Florida, David and Billie purchased a home in Ormond Beach and spent winters in Florida. In 2010 they moved permanently to Ormond Beach. David enjoyed the Florida lifestyle and he and Billie rode on the beach every day. Flagler Beach was his favorite.

On April 11th, 2013 David passed away peacefully at home. His ashes will be spread from the Flagler Beach Pier.

Donations in David’s Memory to:

www.Semperfifund.org

Semper Fi Fund

825 College Blvd.

Suite 102 PMB 609

Oceanside, CA 92057