Jeremiah F. Donovan

West Springfield � Jeremiah Francis Donovan, also known as Frank, age 93, died at home on April 5, 2016, with his family. Jeremiah was born in Holyoke, in 1923, the son of Jeremiah F. and Mary (Neary) Donovan. His parents both died while Jeremiah was a child and he spent many years as a foster child and in state agencies. As a result he attended schools in Holyoke, South Hadley and Boston. Jeremiah was a 59 year member of Our Lady of Hope Parish before moving to W. Spfld. in 2009. He was employed by the Boston and Albany Railroad, then as a Letter Carrier for the USPS assigned to the Mason Square (Highland) and Tapley stations. He loved to travel with his grandchildren to New York City, Cape Cod, Disney World and Ireland. He enjoyed singing and was a member of Our Lady of Hope Choir. Jeremiah also performed volunteer maintenance and painting at Our Lady of Hope upon his retirement. He was a great storyteller of his experiences as a child during the 1930�s, his work and people he met at the railroad and as a letter carrier. As the saying goes, the shortest journey is one filled with stories and laughter and Jeremiah definitely filled many relatives, friends and strangers with laughter from his stories. Jeremiah leaves his wife, Marie (Carey) Donovan whom he married in 1944 at Our Lady of Hope Church. He leaves three sons, Jeremiah, Jr. of W. Spfld, Daniel (Beth) of Springfield and James and his companion Corrine Gorman of Leominster. He also leaves three daughters, Maureen (John) Clough of North Eastham, Patricia (John) Kendzierski of W. Spfld., and Anne Donovan of Virginia Beach, VA. Jeremiah leaves eleven grandchildren, Patrick Corrigan, Sarah Butler, Lauren Kendzierski, John Kendzierski, Cathleen DiDonato, Addie Carabetta, Kevin Donovan, Samantha Donovan, James Donovan, Jr., Caitlin Donovan and Matthew Donovan, many great-grandchildren, three nephews and four nieces and his cousin Margaret (Donovan) LoRe of North Reading. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his sisters, Rose Gaunt and Shirley Blatchford and a brother John who died while a child. Funeral services will be Saturday 9AM at the TOOMEY-O�BRIEN FUNERAL HOME, 1043 Westfield St., W. Spfld., followed by a 10AM Liturgy of Christian Burial in St. Thomas Church, 47 Pine St. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Calling hours will be Friday from 4-7PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one�s favorite charity or The Sisters of St. Joseph Retirement Fund, 577 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.