Michael Edward Donovan, Jr.

Michael Edward Donovan, Jr.

An Exceptional Husband, Father, & Pappy -

Michael Edward Donovan, Jr., age 68, of Shermans Dale, and formerly of Lock Haven, was embraced by his family in Heaven on Monday, June 10, 2019, following a brief illness.  Michael was born on Saturday, July 22, 1950 in Lock Haven to the late Michael Edward Donovan, Sr. and Margaret Helen (Lynch) Donovan.  In addition to his parents, Michael is preceded in death by one of his family members, Danny Donovan.

Michael’s survivors include his wife of 48 years, Edna Patricia (Geise) Donovan; his three children: Shaun Patrick Donovan and his wife, Heather, of Camp Hill, Bryan Alan Donovan and his wife, Deven, of Camp Hill, Erinn Kathleen Blasco and her husband, Timothy, of Mechanicsburg; his four grandchildren: Keegan Michael Donovan, Violet Ann Blasco, Solomon Nicholas Blasco, Eugene Felix Blasco; his brother, James Donovan and his wife, Brenda, of Richmond, VA; his sister, Rose Marie Donovan of Lock Haven; his additional family members: Robin Donley, Steve Donovan, Meghan Donovan, Kevin Donovan; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved feline companions: Smore and Gracie.

Michael attended Immaculate Conception School from kindergarten to 11th grade and then graduated from Lock Haven Senior High School as part of the class of 1968.  Following his graduation, Michael furthered his business education at local community colleges.  Michael served in the Army National Guard for nearly 10 years.  He retired from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Executive Branch in Harrisburg, after 35 years of service working as an analyst.  Michael was a member of Saint Patrick Church in Carlisle for over 30 years.  He volunteered with Shermans Dale Ambulance Association and served as a lifetime member of Shermans Dale Community Fire Company.  Michael volunteered with the fire company to provide extraordinary amounts of assistance with their Bingo nights, as it was one of their biggest fundraisers.  He enjoyed taking family trips to Wildwood, NJ and taking bus trips to Atlantic City with his friend, Michael, where the two always stopped for a bite to eat at Caesars.  Every week, Michael would have lunch with his friend, Nelson, at Subway.  He also enjoyed having breakfast with his wife, Edna, at Village Square Diner.  He had a good sense of humor and could light up any room he walked into.  Michael was very compassionate, understanding, and forgiving.  He was an exceptional father; Michael was always providing unending amounts of support and being his kids’s biggest cheerleader.  Family was at the center of Michael’s core values and he treasured the time he spent with his grandkids, who so lovingly called him Pappy.

All are welcome to join Michael’s family at his viewing on Monday, June 17, 2019, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 and for his Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, June 18, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. at Saint Patrick Church, 85 Marsh Drive, Carlisle, PA 17015; with Reverend Martin Moran celebrating.  Burial will follow in Cumberland Valley Memorial Gardens in Carlisle.  Honored to be pallbearers are: Erinn Blasco, Timothy Blasco, Bryan Donovan, Deven Donovan, James Donovan, Shaun Donovan, Matthew Smith, and Nathan Smith.  Michael’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at Snapper’s Bar and Grill, 120 East Allen Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, immediately following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in celebration of Michael’s life can be made to Shermans Dale Community Fire Company, 5450 Spring Road, Shermans Dale, PA 17090 or Shermans Dale Ambulance Association, 260 Richwine Road, Shermans Dale, PA 17090 or Alzheimer’s Association, 225 Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL, 60601, www.Act.Alz.org/Donate or Loving Care Cat Rescue, P.O. Box 153, Lemoyne, PA 17043, www.ALovingCareCatRescue.org.

Michael’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Michael’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, and sign his official guest book at Buhrig.com.