Edward L. Donovan
Edward L. Donovan
Edward L. Donovan

Obituary of Edward L. "Ed" Donovan

Edward L. “Ed” Donovan, 68, of Salem formerly of Peabody, died peacefully on Thursday, April 9, 2009 after a lengthy illness with his family by his side at the Beverly Hospital. Ed was born in Salem on April 26, 1940 the son of the late Edward L. and Ruth E. (McDonald) Donovan. He was raised in Peabody and graduated from St. John Preparatory School in Danvers Class of 1958. Ed attended Fordham University and later transferred to Providence College. In 1980 he moved from Peabody to Salem. Ed was the owner and President of the D.J. Donovan Insurance Agency in Salem from 1960 until his retirement in 2004. Ed followed and encouraged his sons with their sporting events and later he was so proud of his 2 grandchildren. As an avid tennis player in 1972 Ed was instrumental in establishing a tennis program at the Peabody High School and served as head coach until 1978. Ed was also a sports enthusiast and he enjoyed traveling and playing cards and for many years was a member of the Peabody Rotary Club, the Knights of Columbus Leo Council 508 and the A.O.H. Division 11 both in Peabody. Ed is survived by 3 sons and 2 daughters-in-law, Michael E. and Jeannine Donovan of South Easton, Matthew W. Donovan, and Peter L. and Kelly Donovan all of Peabody; 3 sisters and 2 brothers-in-law, Ruth and Tom Grady of Topsfield, Mary Gilligan of Danvers, and Virginia “Ginny” and James “Jim” Ryan of Peabody; his cherished grandchildren, Molly M. and Edward L. “Ned” Donovan of S. Easton; his longtime loving companion Deborah Linskey of Salem and many nieces and nephews. He was the former husband of the late Margaret M. (Cosgriff) Donovan. His funeral will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at 10 a.m. from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 20 Church St. (downtown facility) Peabody followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. John the Baptist Church, 16 Church St., Peabody. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours are Monday, April 13, 2009 from 4 to 8 p.m. Burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jimmy Fund Dana Farber, 10 Brookline Place, 6th floor, Brookline, MA 02445-7226.
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Cemetery Service

Tuesday, April 14, 2009St. Mary's Cemetery226 North StreetSalem, MA12:30PM

Funeral

Tuesday, April 14, 2009St. John the Baptist Church16 Church StreetPeabody, MA11:00AM

Visitation 1

Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home<b>20 Church St. (downtown facility)</b>Peabody, MAMonday, April 13, 20094:00PM8:00PM
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