Brian Richard Donovan, 50, of East Hartford passed away unexpectedly at Hartford Hospital on August 4, 2017. He was born on March 20, 1967 in Hartford, CT to his parents Timothy W. Donovan Sr. of East Sandwich, MA and Marti D. Donovan of East Hartford, CT. He graduated from Penney High School class of 1985. Professionally, Brian worked in the lawn care service field, a career he loved. In time, he became part of a family owned business with his father and brother. He was a free spirit who was loved by his customers and fellow team members alike. He was an avid sports fan who always enjoyed rooting for the Red Sox, Miami Dolphins and NASCAR driver Tony Stewart. He loved all genres of music and enjoyed movie trivia. He was very fond of the beach with special memories of Maine, Rhode Island and Cape Cod. Brian was a gifted athlete, a natural excelling in both baseball and football. As a hard throwing pitcher with a great curveball, he was part of the 1983 class LL state baseball champions at Penney High School. As a quarterback, he led the Penney Black Knights to a 20-13 comeback victory at the annual Turkey Day game against crosstown rival EHHS. He once threw for over 400 yards in a game, a Penney High record. He wore the coveted #12 on his jersey. Brian will be most remembered for his deep blue eyes, huge dimples, infectious smile, charismatic charm and affable personality.
Besides his parents, Brian will be dearly missed by his son Tyler Richard and his wife Peyton of Ft Riley, KS where Tyler is stationed while serving in the Army and his daughter Lindsay Reneé of Pensacola FL. He is also survived by 4 brothers, Timothy Jr, of Bloomington, IN, Gary and his wife Michelle, of Ellington, Kevin of Granby, and Steven of East Hartford, and a sister Amy Godi and her husband Anthony of Tolland. Brian will be deeply missed by his love of many years, Giselle Tine of Hartford, as well as many aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins with special remembrance to his Godchild Avery, all of whom will hold Brian close within their hearts and memories. He was predeceased by both his paternal and maternal grandparents. In lieu of flowers donations in Brian's memory can be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation, 126 Monroe Turnpike, Trumbull, CT 06611 or www.Wish.org/Donate.
Family and friends are invited to attend a period of visitation on Saturday, September 16, 2017 from 10am-12pm, at Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Ave., East Hartford CT 06108. A Memorial Service will follow at 1pm at Our Lady of Peace Church, 370 May Rd., East Hartford. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.newkirkandwhitney.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home.
December 28, 2019
Giselle
September 16, 2017
Ric Boutot
I know you were a very passionate man with hopes and dreams and you were a co-worker who always had top numbers in the company and really loved your son and daughter. I'm so sorry you are no longer here with your family. I know your children will miss you terribly. I feel so bad. I hope with all my heart to see you again in a much better place Brian, so I can give you a great big hug. GODSPEED, precious soul.
September 15, 2017
Coworker
Dave Schwarm
Words cannot express my deepest sympathy to Brian's family. He was a great person, a funny person and I really enjoyed working with him for years at GrassMasters. You will be missed. Rest in peace Brian.
September 11, 2017
Friend
Bill Mastrangelo
So sad to hear this news! An old childhood friend I will never forget! RIP Brian!!
September 4, 2017
John Fauteux
So sorry to hear this. Lots of good memories. Condolences.
August 18, 2017
We are so very sorry for your loss.Enjoyed your family at so many baseball games. All our prayers go to all of you. The Lawrences,Marty,Charlynn,Kevin Christine and David.
August 14, 2017
Sharon Marvel
So very sorry for the loss of your son. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Sharon (Pitkin) Marvel and sons Michael and Jeffrey
August 14, 2017
Jeannie Roy
So sorry for you loss. Rest in Piece Brian!
August 13, 2017
Sonia Baron
So many memories of you and I... you will be missed sweetheart!! Hugs and prayers to your family at this time of sorrow..
August 12, 2017
R.H. Clark
I worked w/ Brian for many years. His Customers loved him. He had a free and adventurous Spirit, and was easy going. Something I admired about Brian. My condolences to the Donovan Family.
August 11, 2017
Joe Soja
I met Brian 30 years ago at New England Green.
and am devastated by his sudden passing.
My sincerest heartfelt sympathies to the entire Donovan family,
his father Tim,and brothers Gary,Kevin, and Steven.
Brian was my friend. Joe Soja
August 11, 2017
Linda Baron Gustafson
Sending you my sympathy to the family.keeping you all in my prayers. May Brian rest in peace.
Linda
August 10, 2017
This is such a shock, Glenn and I send our condolences to the whole family your all in our thoughts and prayers. If you need anything don't hesitate to let us know..
Love,
Laurie & Glenn
August 10, 2017
Chantal Baron
God Bless your soul Brian and may you find peace in your new life.
May God give each family member the force to get threw this painful moment.
Love you xxx
August 10, 2017
Chantal Baron
So sorry for your Loss.. I am sad by this news. I ask God to give his family the courage to go threw this difficult time....
Lots of Love
August 10, 2017
Lisa Griffen (Markowicz)
RIP Brian.
August 10, 2017
Lisa Griffen (Markowicz)
So sorry to hear of your loss. Lots of great memories of all of us growing up in the neighborhood.
August 10, 2017
Carol Hansen
Godspeed Brian! Hugs to his loved ones. XO
August 10, 2017
Bonnie Bagdasarian
Our Deepest Sympathy to the Donovan family. We are saddened to hear of Brian's passing. Thoughts and payers to all.
The Stefanik Family
August 10, 2017
I knew Brian in Middle and High School, I remember him to be an awesome athlete and kind and thoughtful friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family and friends.
Connie Grant "Morrison"
August 9, 2017
Debra Belancik
May Brian Rest In peace. He is among the angels watch over loved ones and friends
God bless him and his family.
Debra Belancik
Meriden Connecticut
August 9, 2017
Brother I know you are in a better place. You will be missed. I love you with all my heart. I know you will always be with me. Peace to the rest of my family. I love you all. Jill ((HUGS))
August 9, 2017
The Puchalsky's
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
God Bless and rest in peace Brian!
August 9, 2017
Meg & Vinnie Tougas
Our Deepest Sympathy to the Donovan family. We are Saddened to hear of Brian's passing. You're all in our thoughts and payers. RIP Brian
August 7, 2017
Neighbor
Robbin, Jason, and Steve
Steve, Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss, our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
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