Edward Donovan Obituary

Edward Thomas Donovan of Braintree, formerly of Dorchester and Monponsett, passed away and entered the Kingdom of Heaven on February 4, 2026, at the age of 79. He died peacefully, unafraid, and steadfast in God’s promise.

Ed devoted his life to the service of others. A longtime parishioner of St. Ann (Neponset), he was remembered by many as a tireless volunteer, serving with Scouts, CYO, the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, and countless parish picnics and events in support of his community united in faith, where he developed some of his most cherished friendships. He carried this same passion into his professional life, spending more than three decades as a social worker for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with the Department of Developmental Services. In that role, he gave a voice to some of society’s most vulnerable and advocated unwaveringly for their dignity. Ed walked the walk as a true and faithful servant of the Lord.

Ed loved all Boston sports, but his favorite team was always his family. He shared fifty-six years of marriage with his wife, Chris, a love that began in their teenage years and blossomed into a lifetime partnership marked by devotion and profound care for one another. To his children, including those who joined the family through marriage, Ed’s love made no distinctions. He took pride not only in who they became, but in the faith and values that shaped their lives, and in the role he played in guiding them there. His greatest joy and proudest achievement were his precious grandchildren. Ed relished his role as “Grampy,” celebrating both ordinary moments and milestones as life’s greatest accomplishments, and each of them always knew how deeply they were loved.

Ed is survived by his beloved wife, Christine (Daley) Donovan; his children, Eric Donovan and his wife Veronica (Mullaney) of Plympton, Kelly Roche and her husband Greg of Duxbury, Amy Donovan of Braintree, and Andrew Donovan and his wife Shannon (Reardon) of Weymouth; and his grandchildren, Molly, Brendan, Jack, Cailin, Timothy, Nolan, Kerin, Lily, and Anna. He is also survived by four of his siblings, Donald and his wife Ann (Dwyer) of Pembroke, Barbara Ready and her husband John of Plymouth, Kathleen Devine and her husband Jack of Kingston, and William and his wife Anne (Mooney) of Halifax; his sisters-in-law, Julie (Jones) of Pembroke and Allison (Holt) of Plymouth; and the many nieces and nephews he adored. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Anna (Laverty), and by his brothers, Patrick and Joseph, and his sister, Anne.

Relatives and friends are welcome to attend visiting hours on Friday, February 13, from 4:00–8:00 PM at McDonald Keohane Funeral Home, 809 Main Street (Route 18), South Weymouth. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 14, at 10:30 AM at St. Clare Church, 1244 Liberty Street, Braintree. Burial will be private at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ed’s memory to The Arc of the South Shore, which serves individuals and families with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Ed’s legacy lives on in the lives he shaped and the love he leaves behind.