William Donovan Death, Obituary – William J. “Billy” Donovan, 62, of Cicero, Illinois, passed away in a calm and serene manner at home, surrounded by his devoted family. He was the son of Theodore Donovan and Elizabeth (Ennis) Donovan, who have since passed away. He was born in Syracuse. Billy is survived by his wife of 38 years, Mary Beth (Jackson) Donovan; two daughters, Morgan (Devin) Mackie of New York City and Lauren Donovan of Cicero; two grandchildren, Kennedy Marilyn Mackie and Beau William Mackie
William is also survived by his four siblings, Sally Silvaggio, Theodore (Christine) Donovan, Dale Luckette, and Patricia Nuzzo; as well as a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Billy passed away on February 1, 2019. Danny, his brother, passed away before him in addition to his parents, who came before him in death. If you were fortunate enough to be a part of Billy D’s universe, you probably find yourself caught between having a heart that is devastated and one that is filled with gratitude for having had the opportunity to be a part of his world.
On the golf course, in the lake, on the basketball court, at Pastimes, at Lakeshore YCC, and even in his own driveway, he made everyone feel like they were among friends. Billy D was the one who rallied the troops, regardless matter whether the event in question was an official Donovan Family Fun Day or a pop-up event held simply because. There was never a shortage of music, food, photographs, tales, full (never half) glasses, jokes from his official rotation, and hugs all around.
There was never a shortage of music, food, pictures, stories, and full (never half) glasses (rumor has it he was a sentimental soul). He has the intrinsic ability to impress upon each of us the significance of our own existence, and when you spent time with him, you always came away feeling like the investment was worthwhile. Billy was born and raised in Syracuse. A native of the north side, those childhood buddies continue to be an important and cherished part of his life decades later.
Billy’s ability to make connections that will last a lifetime served him well throughout his academic career at St. John the Baptist, Assumption, OCC, and Oswego. Nearly 40 years were spent by Billy in the employ of National Grid. If you ask someone, “How do you know Billy?” the responses are likely to span years and zip codes, and each of those people engraved a spot in his heart. If you ask someone, “Why do you know Billy?” the replies are likely to span years and zip codes. Even though he let numerous people into his heart, Mary Beth has been his one true love and closest friend ever since they were both 13 years old.
They spent decades together experiencing some of the “BEST DAYS EVER” thanks to the love and partnership they shared. Any mention of his daughters Lauren and Morgan, as well as Morgan’s spouse Devin, caused Billy to be overcome with feelings of pride and excitement. He made the most of every opportunity to spend time with his daughters, and as his daughters’ horizons broadened, so did Billy’s affection for his ever-expanding network of family and friends.
Even his furry grandkids, Sunnie and Bruce, as well as his human grandkids, Kennedy and Beau, filled his heart in ways that he could never have imagined, and he considered all of his grandchildren to be gifts. Because of what Billy brought to the table, each and every family memory will be enhanced for all time. On Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at 11:00 am, there will be a Funeral Mass held in celebration of Billy’s life at St. Patrick’s/St. Brigid’s Church, which is located at 216 North Lowell Ave. in Syracuse, New York.
On Tuesday, January 10, 2023, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, family and friends are welcome to call at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, located at 3401 Vickery Road (at the junction of Buckley Road) in North Syracuse, New York.