John R. Donovan

July 22, 1953 - Feb. 19, 2016

GALVESTON, TX - John R. Donovan passed away February 19, 2016, in Galveston, Texas, from cancer. John was born on July 22, 1953, in South Bend, Indiana, to Helen F. and Mortimer J. Donovan. He graduated from LaSalle High School and attended Indiana State University. John is survived by sisters, Anne D. McGraw of South Bend and Elizabeth D. Peralta of Charlotte N.C., and brother, James F. Donovan of Chicago IL, as well as his nieces and nephews, and cousins. His parents and brothers, Joe and Ben, pre-deceased him.

John was a 1600 ton boat captain in the Gulf of Mexico. He was expert in 4 point anchoring of dive boats, and was respected by fellow captains and the divers who toiled below. He navigated his ship across the Atlantic Ocean by celestial navigation in the days prior to GPS. He sailed through the Suez and Panama Canals. John retired in 2014.

He was fond of black Harley Davidson motorcycles. John annually cruised in summer out West, through Sturgis, SD, Montana and Utah.

Tall, redheaded and gregarious, John had friends in many walks of life. He was funny, had a gift for communicating and made friends easily. He read widely, spoke Spanish fluently, and was a terror at Jeopardy. His many friends include Tom Kelly and Roger Davis of South Bend, and John DesLaurielles and Edgar Gilbeau of Galveston.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will take place in Texas in the spring of 2016. Per his wishes, John's ashes will then be scattered at sea. Memorial gifts for John Donovan may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

Published by South Bend Tribune from Mar. 5 to Mar. 6, 2016.