Guestbook

1. I had the privilege of working with John at ICI and DuPont. I was also a fellow parishioner at St. Patrick. I subsequently moved out West and today I was looking at the St. Patrick web bulletin when I saw John’s name. I am shocked and saddened to hear of John’s passing. My deepest condolences to John’s family. John was truly someone I admired both professionally and personally.

2. I think one of your advertisements triggered my browser to resize, you might want to put that on your blacklist.

3. Love you, Paulo Rebelo. 🙂

4. Katy, John was tough as nails. He once snarled in his Boston accent at me in practice before we did a one-v-one drill “I’m going to kick your ass” (except he used MUCH more colorful language). However, that same drill he was complimentary. He was a great leader and I enjoyed being his teammate. As Steve Boyle said above, he was less intimidating when he was with you and then he went back to being intimidating…

5. Our thoughts and prayers are with Katy and the entire family.

   John was a great man, father, grandfather, son, brother, and just an outstanding person who always stood on his principles who shared his bon vivant for everyday life.

   He will be sorely missed by all he has touched.

   The Reeves Clan, Vancouver, Canada.

6. Dear Katy and family,
   I am very sorry to hear of Johns passing. We always had great conversations and fun times at the youth lacrosse games over the years and then at the Princeton lacrosse games. Wishing you all peace and our deepest sympathy from the whole Morrell family.

7. I will miss you John. You gave us all so much love and we all are so much better because of you.
   Heaven just got even sweeter.

8. Our hearts are broken over John’s passing. He welcomed us into the Tiger FH family with warm and welcoming arms. We felt so lucky to have him at the helm of all of the crazy fun tailgates (with all the moms’ help too) and so looked forward to spending time with him both in Princeton and Sanibel. He was the life of the party and so fun to be around!!! To Katy, Claire and the entire sweet Donovan family there are no words to describe how devastated we feel and our hearts are so sad for your loss. We are keeping you in the tightest embrace as you lay him to rest and may he watch over and guard all of you forever. Rest in peace sweet John.

9. We knew John through Princeton field hockey. We have been fans of Princeton field hockey for over 15 years. John and his family were always at the games we attended and he always had a daughter or two on the team. We will miss seeing him at the games and tailgates. We remember John daringly telling the UVA fans in 2012 that “We beat the ACC once, we will beat you again!” This was at our playoff game that we won, which led us to become national champs! The national championship tailgate was the longest in TFH history. We celebrated for hours sharing memories, hugging, singing, dancing and of course good food. John made a huge impact on the TFH family and his spirit will live on within all of us! We will never forget all the good times we had cheering on the Princeton field hockey team together.

   Gwyn and Scott Fowler

10. Billy,

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family during this trying time. It was such a pleasure meeting your father during your time at Cornell. He brought an infectious energy to the Cornell campus whether it was at Chi Psi parent’s formals or club lacrosse games. It was always so clear the love he had for you and his family. His light won’t soon be forgotten. We were happy to honor his legacy with a donation to YoungMoms in his name – The Chi Psi Class of ’14

11. When I think of family, I think of the Donovans. My heart hurts for you all, sending you all of my love.

12. Dear Katy and family
    We were absolutely devastated to learn of John’s death.
    It was a privilege to have known him, the best family man, a great Friend, and a massive character.
    We had some great times together and as you Americans say a whole lot of ‘fun’
    He was a perfect father
    The only way We were ahead of you was in the number of of our children and you
    Equalised 6!!!!
    All our love
    Lawrence and Margaret Petterson
    Redworth
    England

13. Billy,

    We are so sorry for your loss. We will always remember the infectious cheer your dad brought to every Chi Psi event he attended. Our prayers are with you and your family. Our deepest condolences. – The Fieschko’s

14. Donovan Family,
    Condolences to the entire Donovan Family. John was a respected colleague who could always counted on to keep many projects on track. I am sorry he and you did not get to enjoyed of his retirement together. I pray the good memories will push away the grief in time for all of you.

15. Dear Katy and Family,
    Sending all our love and prayers to you and your family. We loved John and had the best of times with your family, such fond memories! He lit up a little village in the north of England and we are ever-so grateful to get to know such a gentleman. All our love,
    The Petterson’s

16. Dear Donovan Family – We are so so sorry to hear about John’s sudden passing. He was a legend in our town of Weymouth growing up, and was from an All-American legendary Weymouth family. John was so smart, athletic, Christian, and civic-minded. I still remember his poise, confidence, and message in his valedictory speech at the WNHS graduation ‘82. And as his brother Nipper reminded me recently, John was my Mom’s favorite Cub Scout. Our condolences to all of the Donovans. Our prayers are with you. Love The Ganley Family

17. Katy–David and I were so sad to hear this news from Kyle Hall. Just hung up the phone with Lawrence Petterson where we shared good memories of John in England. We have such happy memories of our time there, made even better by your family’s warm welcome upon our arrival (not to mention those scones). Hugs to all of you–Gretchen Livingston

18. Dear Katy and family. We are so incredibly sorry for your loss. We remember John as such a friendly, funny hockey fan, always in Princeton colours and always making everyone laugh. He had obvious pride in your beautiful family from which care and kindness has always flowed. Our hearts break for you and we send our deepest sympathies.

19. Dear Katy and Team Donovan,
    I learned about John from all of your emails. I’m In Nrwburyport MA where I am a neighbor and delighted to call myself a good friend of the Mark Donovan family, who thoughtfully sent me this announcement. My beloved husband, Jonathan, an architect well known in the region, died of ALS in March 2019. The Donovan family took me in to encourage and love me as a family member. I know their great spirit and deep love of family, community, friends and sports. I realize that the unexpected passing of brother and Uncle John is a huge loss for the entire Donovan Clan.

    My deepest sympathies go to each one of you. I write lyrics that my amazing professional musical partner sings, records and engineers, Chris Plante. We have 3 children’s albums on line currently and in April will release 2 new albums, “Healing, Hope and Hallelujah.” We’ve worked hard over the past several years to bring these to light. Many were written as I tried to survive after Jonathan’s passing. I turn to them again and again to help in my own healing process. My great hope is that they will help all of us who have experienced great loss and are struggling to regain our footing. I am online on all music platforms with 3 Childrens’ albums. 2 of the songs on the “Algorithm”Album were selected by NBC sports for the Olympics and ParaOlympics. “Reach for the Top” and “Flying in the Sun”. They are about the journey to survive and be the best we can be. I think this is what John Donovan was all about. The songs can be found at:Betsy Woodman, World of Imagination.”
    My anguish is yours. Please accept my attempt to help in your time of need, stress and incredible sadness. I hope my songs will speak to your journey as family and friends who loved and honor this amazing man and his giving spirit.
    With best thoughts and love to all,
    Betsy Woodman

20. Dear Katy & Family,

    I feel blessed to have played lacrosse with John and to room with him in 1986. On the lax field, he was fearless and skilled at scoring in unique ways. He was also incredibly tough getting back to his feet immediately after taking a hard hit. As a roommate, he was warm, fun, and inclusive. Please know that I will continue to pray for you and remember John’s amazing smile!

    Joe Rigney

21. Katy,
    i had the good fortune to run into John at my last reunion. It had been a long time and we had a wonderful time reminiscing. He made a point of bringing me up to speed on the kids and you. He was clearly, and rightly, quite proud. I always had a great deal of admiration for the relationship between you and John. You and the whole family are in my thoughts and prayers, Katy.

22. Dear Katy,

    John was the best! He was so incredibly devoted you and your amazing family. He was humble, and his academic, athletic and career achievements were unmatched. John, with his quick Boston wit, kept us on our toes all the time. Lewes Beach will never be the same. I will miss our constant dialogue about rival sports teams and other current events of the day.

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family, Katy.

    Your friend, Andy (Jane, Bobbie & Blair)

23. Katy, Paul, and Mark–I’m so sorry for your joint loss.

    I was privileged to play lacrosse with John at Princeton and to claim him as a friend ever since.

    John was a tough and hard-nosed competitor, unapologetic for playing to win and expecting everyone to care as much as he. I always sensed in John that you could ‘take the boy out North Weymouth, but you couldn’t take the North Weymouth out of the boy.’

    Beneath John’s direct and protective behaviors for those he cared about, however, lay a sincere caring and devotion to others–a caring that some might have missed beneath a perceived gruff demeanor.

    I attended John and Katy’s wedding–they were the first couple whose wedding I attended in which I knew both the bride and the groom. Their union has always served as a beacon of steady devotion; I’ve enjoyed following the growth of their family.

    John, blessings be with you–with Katy, your children–and your siblings.

24. Dear Katy and family, We were so saddened and stunned to hear the news of John’s passing this week. I still can’t quite believe it. John was a very colorful character in college and one of the first people I met there. He was the first Bostonian I ever met and he taught my small-town Midwestern self about all things lacrosse and South Boston. He had a huge laugh and a wicked sense of humor. We roomed together junior and senior year. We had these very high lofts in our room junior year in 1901 Hall and they were too close to the ceiling to even sit up. One night across the room, I heard John yell something in his sleep, and he sat up in bed real fast and banged his head on the ceiling and went back to sleep. In the morning, he didn’t remember anything about it and didn’t even have a bump on his head. That’s because John was quite tough, muscular and hard-headed, built more like a wrestler, but played lacrosse and hockey. I’m not surprised he became an influential youth coach. John and Katy were great friends and a well-known couple in college and I’m pretty sure they were the first all-86 marriage (?) which we were privileged to attend at the end of 1986. John and I were in touch the past few years as our youngest daughters both entered Princeton, and he recently had strongly encouraged that our next visit from the west coast must include a home field hockey weekend and the tailgate. I’m really sorry I won’t get to see John at that tailgate. I know he has left a great legacy as a coach and family man. Rest in peace JQD. Mike & Dani Swope, fellow ‘86ers

25. Katy and Family,
    I wish you sincere condolences during this time. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Donovan Family. John was a Joy to work with and always had something unique to share. Lean on the fond memories and good times shared with John during these times. So sorry for your lost.
    Craig Reed

26. My first taste of college field hockey was John Donovan’s grilled sausage served with a large dose of enthusiasm and, as quickly manifested, John’s fearless passion for the team and university his family so well and prominently represented. We newcomers to Princeton field hockey soon experienced the Donovan spirit in full measure and the heavier our hearts are today. We trust Katy and her wonderful family will find comfort in each other. I hope knowing John’s torch reflected his passionate embrace of life is a further comfort to them. Our thoughts are with you guys.

    Kory, Katherine and Grace Schulze ‘24

27. Katy,
    Our most heartfelt condolences to you and your family. May the love, prayers and support of your beloved family and friends bring you comfort during this most difficult time.
    With deepest sympathy,
    Elizabeth, Patrick and Claire Jones

28. Dear Katy and family, I always looked up to Uncle John as the kind of father I wanted to be and the big brother I never had. He inspired all around him with ceaseless energy and humor, his sincere curiosity and interest in connecting with others, and his unfailing commitment to good times for everyone around him. Fourth of July parades with costumes for all, tailgates with all the trappings, a fleet of bicycles at the beach so all could ride, and insightful discussions about the state of the world are just a few of my fond memories. Words cannot describe my sadness. He has left us too soon. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
    -Nate

29. John was a special person. He was super competitive and tough, yet had such a kind spirit. We had a lot of fun on and off the lax field at PU, and those memories will endure. I’ll always remember John, myself, and other ’86ers that were charter members of Coach Schmidt’s “Jerry’s kids” where we were made to practice apart from the starters during freshman fall ball. We had to earn our stripes, but we shared a lot of laughs in doing so. I ran into John a few years ago at a travel lacrosse tournament in PA, and we had a great time catching up…like we hadn’t missed a beat. Life doesn’t seem fair sometimes. Thoughts and prayers to Katy and the entire family.

    Todd Rizzieri

30. Dear Katy,

    Bill and I send our love and prayers to you and your family at this sad time. John was one of friendliest guys we’ve ever known, always had a smile and good PU memory to share when we saw him at reunions. We also remember his amazing athletic feats on the lacrosse field. We send our hugs from London.

31. Dear Katy & Family, it was with heavy hearts that we learnt of John’s sudden passing. We send our deepest sympathies from afar. The consummate family man, he was a shining example of how to embrace life. The Donovan children are a fabulous legacy where his spirit will live on and he will never be forgotten. He was always so welcoming, hospitable and supportive. Sadly taken too early. We know he packed more into his life than others can only dream of. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Much love, The Hollands (N.Z. London)

32. Katy and family – we are heartbroken to learn this news. John was always such a breath of fresh air to see. Always smiling and always positive. He loved his family, he loved Princeton and Princeton lacrosse and we will miss him greatly. We had a lot laughs on and off the lacrosse field back in those days and I know Coach Schmidt is waiting to see him in heaven. God Bless you John/“Nipper” and RIP – Changer and Family P’84

33. Oh Katy my thoughts and prayers are with you and your whole family. I can’t fathom your pain. You are a blessed couple and I know you can get through this. Love from your friends in the North. Rob and Roberta Alexander.

34. Dear Katy,
    Paula and I were so saddened to hear of John’s passing. We have many fond memories of Little Flyers trips, games and practices with you, John…..and all of the Donovan kids. It was reassuring to know that there were others out there dealing with raising large families and actually surviving. You and John made such a good team. I will never forget being on the ice with John and girls at practices in Aston, made those trips from Lancaster worth it.

    You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

    With love,
    Bob and Paula Hauser

35. My condolences to the Donovan’s for the loss of your son, brother, father, and friend to many. Rest In Peace.

36. Katy,
    I just learned of the very sad news about John. All these years later, since our college days, I remember what a very special person John was–how he made us smile or laugh, and the quiet, rock solid love he always had for you. I am sending my condolences to you and your entire family during this very difficult time.

37. Katy and Family,
    What a Husband, Father, Grandfather, friend and inspirational mentor to so many. A huge legacy for those he touched in all aspects of life. It is not possible to count all of those who will be indebted forever for the positive impact he had on young lives in all walks of life. Thank you for sharing him with all of us. Gone way too soon, but he will never be forgotten. He leaves such a truly amazing family who will live those same values and traits that he represented, which will make him proud every single day for eternity. Our Hearts and Prayers to all of the Donovan family. We will be with you always.
    Mary, Bryan and Craig Aiken

38. Heartfelt condolences, dear Katy , with hopes that you and your wonderful family will draw comfort from one another.
    Bernice Michael

39. Katy,
    We are so filled with sorrow for the loss of John. My heart aches for you and your family. We have such wonderful memories of time spent with John. Most recently, the weekend at the mountain home, Club D, Eagles game with Chris, gatherings at your home and mine, and ice skating at the pond just days before his passing we will never forget. We are so grateful for these special memories. As my tears stream, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in the days and weeks ahead.

40. So very sad and so sorry!
    What a pleasure it was to meet this great guy. We loved to see John at the field hockey tailgates. Blessed to have had a wonderful evening at Lewes beach with John and Daniel which gives us unforgettable memories of this wonderful and welcoming man.
    Our deepest sympathies!

41. I lost touch with John and most of the people I knew in college as it has been 35 years. The news of John’s death is very sad. I knew John before he had kids and became a community leader and I remember him for his remarkable tenacity and determination. I am glad to see he applied that to his loved ones and his community. I am very sorry for your loss as am sure someone with his strength of character left a huge hole.

42. Dear Family: I am sorry to see this news of John’s passing. My condolences to all of you.

43. Katy and the Donovan family,
    John was an amazing and wonderful person. He had a positive impact on so many of us. He will be missed dearly. Love to all.

44. Katy and children, Aunt Mighty and Uncle Jerry and all my Donovan cousins I am so saddened to hear of Johns passing, this news took my breath away. John was a lovely person, as cousins I remember the good old days when Aunt Mighty and my mom Dottie would get all of us together in one of our back yards, all 9 of the Donovan’s and all 6 of us James” mostly during the summers…That was really something.

    John always…always had that really big handsome smile and a kind word. May his soul rest in peace. Cousins are special people and so shall be my memory of him.

    You all have my heartfelt sympathy,
    Don James Jr.

45. Katy & family, Mighty & Jerry and to the entire Donovan family, it is with a heavy heart to hear of Johns passing. Uncle Don was right there at heaven’s gate to meet him. May his signature smile always shine in your hearts forever. He was quite an amazing man and certainty his spirit will live on.
    With much love Aunt Dottie James

46. Katie
    i was a year behind John…i watched him compete…he was so frickin tough…i found him intimidating… in an old school respect kind of way.
    And when i met you, it made John less intimidating…until we got on the field…and then he was intimidating again…one of a kind.

    Respectfully,

    Steve Boyle

47. Thinking of you all and sending all my love.

    It was quite simply impossible to see Mr. Donovan at a game or around Princeton or really anywhere and not smile. His friendliness was contagious and his own smile equally as infectious. He had the quality of making me feel like a close friend every time I saw him despite the time that may have passed between meetings. And no one was a bigger fan on the sidelines cheering than Mr. Donovan. Rightly so a very proud dad of the truly amazing kids and family he has. He left a lasting memory for all in the immense kindness he showed and brought with him wherever he went.

48. Heartbroken at the news. Coach Donovan made me understand and love hockey. More than that, he pushed me to become the best that I could be – as he did with all of his players! It’s no coincidence that he raised a family of such incredible athletes and people – whenever the Donovan name comes up in conversation in Chester County, someone always chimes in… “I know them! Aren’t they just the best?!” Sending lots of love. Our family’s thoughts + prayers are with you all!

49. Katy and Family,
    I am so sorry for the heart-breaking loss of John. I have the best memories from the earliest days in Weymouth playing with “Dunny” on little league fields, rinks, and football fields. Then having the pleasure of reuniting here in Chester County PA for the last 10 years and seeing our kids grow up (and watch them chase each other around more rinks and lax fields). The stories we exchanged over the years were great as our 2 big families had many connection points. I hope our kids enjoyed us “talking Weymouth”. John will be greatly missed by so many.
    God bless you and the entire Donovan family.

    Tom and Barb Leahy

50. Dear Donovans — Mr. Donovan was larger than life… a uniquely powerful and joyful presence that brought out the best in everyone. What a great example of how to be a grandparent, parent, spouse, friend, and cheerleader he set. It is an honor to have known him, and we will keep his spirit alive at TFH tailgates, reunions, and beyond. Love from the Maidas.

51. Katy and kids, Our hearts broke when we heard the news of John’s passing. Such a tragic loss and far too young. John’s smile, wit and love for life will be carried on through your beautiful family. May God comfort you and bring you peace through John’s memory during this most difficult time. We will keep you all covered in prayer.
    With our deepest condolences,
    Chip, Becky, Trevor and Sierra Dycio

52. John was a wonderful person. My prayers to Katy and his entire family. John loved his family above all else and that is a gift that will endure…

53. What a warm genuine lovely family man. On our visits to Princeton he made us feel so welcome, and what fun we always had with him and his family. Thank you.
    Quite clearly John loved life, and albeit his life was too short, he probably crammed more into his short life than anyone.
    Now rest in peace John knowing you are much loved and will be missed. From the Baylis Family. (London) xx

54. I can’t even comprehend your loss. My heart grieves for you, your children and your grandchildren. Hugs and prayers to all of you.

55. Dear Katie,

    I love you and am here! Biggest hugs to you all. This is just not fair.🙏💥💖

56. Just a few days ago, we were laughing and dancing with John and Katy at Cottage Club, remembering so many happy times over the past 35 years. Here is to a great soul, whose energy and passion inspired all of us to enjoy life and family fearlessly. Katy, we are here for you and your beautiful clan. Our hearts are broken for you. But love is stronger than the greatest grief, and we could all see how much John loved and will always love beautiful, joyful, kind, happy you.

57. When I first started playing lacrosse and I wasn’t that good. I remember he pulled me aside and we would just throw the ball with me for hours until I got the hang of it

58. Hi Katy
    It’s Gina Kelly
    Joe and I are so incredibly sorry for your loss
    As well as Kate and Megan
    May you find faith in our lord
    And celebrate the time and life you had together
    Love doesn’t die
    God Bless you and your beautiful family

59. I can’t put into words the sorrow felt in receiving this news. I am glad to have known him and his family. God bless.

60. Sean and I send our deepest sympathies to you, Katy, and to the entire Donovan family. We are so sorry for your loss. We will remember John fondly from PUFH tailgates and Reunions. What a wonderful spirit! You are all in our thoughts and prayers. 🙏🏻 Susie and Sean Brennan

61. Katy – Sending our warmest condolences, love and hugs to you all during this difficult time. Hoping all your wonderful memories together are a light to guide you through. Lovingly, Hilary and family

62. Your son / brother / husband / father / grandfather was a special kind of guy. He was always full of energy and heartily welcomed at any event. Princeton and especially all of his friends from Princeton Field Hockey will sorely miss him. Keep him close in your hearts and live your lives as he would have wanted you to – having fun and enjoying the company of your friends and relatives. Life can be too short sometimes.

63. Mr. Donovan turned every occasion into an unforgettable party. From Princeton events to his daughters’ weddings to small BBQs in Utah, he knew how to bring the fun. His smile was contagious and dance moves were unmatched. His time here was far too short but filled so many with so much joy. Sending all my love and prayers to the family ❤️ He will be sorely missed and never forgotten.

64. Thinking of all of you.
    Hug each other, laugh and cry together. You are a wonderful support system for each other. Love and hugs to everyone .
    Hillary Brogan

65. John always had a smile, quick wit, and positive embrace with all things.

66. Dear Katy and Kaitlin and Christopher and Amelia and Kyle and William and Annabeth and Tom and Daniel and Claire,
    I am so sorry to learn of John’s passing. You are in my heart and thought and prayers.
    Jeff Nunokawa

67. Danny,
    We are so very sad for you. Hold to the Good. With love. The Cox Family

68. I deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. Uncle Rob and Aunt Anne

69. Donovan Family,
    So sorry for your loss, John was one of a kind and such a big part of our family’s hockey experience. I loved coaching with him, laughed a lot and learned a lot just being around him. He was a presence. He remains one of Joey’s favorite coaches and we still talk Coach Donovan stories. I will miss Club D and the pond hockey sessions. Claire and Danny he was very proud of you (as I’m sure he was proud of all his kids) Hope it as a small comfort to know how many lives he touched. So sad he is gone too soon but grateful we knew him.
    Sincere condolences,
    Dave and Shannon Impagliazzo and family

70. We are so sorry for the loss of your beloved husband, father, papa and friend. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Sarah has shared so many wonderful memories of him with us.
    Our deepest sympathies,
    The Gonzalez Family

71. This man was an amazing father and husband . We only met him a few times at Cornell activities and in Hingham but he left a lasting impression on all of us . We are all so heartbroken for you loss . He is now in his glory with Jesus but we will all miss him . Offering up prayers mass and Eucharist for you all for strength and comfort during this hard time . God bless you all . Love Austin and Mary OConnor

72. Katy,
    You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so glad that I got to know John and you through all of the URA years of the boys playing baseball together. Sending hugs to all!

73. Donovan family,

    It is with a heavy heart we extend our deepest sympathies to you all at this time of sorrow. John was a fun- loving, giving person who we remember ever so fondly. We have such precious memories of all the times we’ve shared, including the many Princeton games/tailgates. Our thoughts are with you as we extend our condolences.

    The Perrelle Family

74. A man who cared about everyone, and never failed to make us laugh. I’ll always remember you from the sidelines Mr. Donovan. All of your amazing qualities shine through in the hearts of your children. In our hearts forever. May you be at peace.

75. Katy and Family- We are so sorry for your loss. We have very fond memories through the years of John and will hold all of you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. With our deepest sympathy the entire Heim Family.

76. Katie,
    My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time. I know this is a huge loss to your family and to the community. Lean on those around you for support.
    Jeanne Polries