Obituary of Walter Donovan

Walter R. Donovan, 89, of Freehold Township passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on his birthday, March 17, 2016. Walt was born in Newark. He was a 1944 graduate of Matawan High School where he was voted Class Clown. Walter served his country proudly in the US Navy during WW II and the Korean War. Walter married his beautiful bride, Carol in 1951 and they lovingly raised their family of three daughters in South Plainfield. A graduate of Rutgers University, he worked as a Methods Analyst at Prudential Insurance Company in Newark for 29 years, retiring, ironically, on his birthday. Walt was a former member of Oak Tree Presbyterian Church in Edison, where he served as a deacon. He was active in the Protestant Fellowship at Clearbrook in Monroe Twp., where he and Carol relocated in 1990. Walt was a member of the South Plainfield Jaycees. Walt enjoyed watching sports, playing the lottery, staying current with the news and keeping a watchful eye on the weather forecast. His thirst for knowledge led him to become an avid surfer of the web, sharing information via email each and every day. A true family man, Walt and Carol enjoyed vacations with his brother and sister and their spouses. Walt was a devoted husband, loving father and adoring grand and great-grandfather, who will always be remembered for his million-pound hugs. Walter was a true gentleman, a friend to many and always had a joke to share to add a smile to your day. He left this world with "no regrets". Walt is survived by his adoring wife of 64 years, Carol; his three loving daughters, Diane Gates and her fiancé, Patrick O'Brien, of Georgia, Nancy Power and her husband, Jim, of Tinton Falls, and Judi Donovan of Delaware; eleven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; his fun-loving brother, Harold Donovan of Surfside Beach, SC; his sister-in-law, Audrey Bowler of Hackettstown; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Dolores Ritz, of Little Silver. A memorial gathering will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Friday, June 10, 2016 from 9:00 to 11:00 AM with his memorial service to follow at 11:00 AM. Inurnment to follow in Brigadier General Wm. C. Doyle Veteran's Cemetery, Arneytown. For those who desire, contributions in Walter's name may be made to Season's Hospice Foundation, 6400 Shafer Court, Suite 700, Rosemont, IL 60018. For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.