Paul Donovan: A Life of Service and Principle

Early Life and Military Service

Paul Donovan was born in Colchester, New York in 1935. His family later moved to Philadelphia, where he graduated from Roman Catholic High School in 1953. Shortly after graduating, Donovan joined the United States Marine Corps and served stateside during the Korean War.

Family and Career

After completing his military service, Donovan returned to Philadelphia, where he met his future wife, Marianne Hanlon. They married in 1956 and had five children together. Donovan also began a long career in banking, working for nearly three decades at First Pennsylvania Bank and its subsequent mergers.

Community Involvement

In addition to his work and family responsibilities, Donovan dedicated countless hours to serving his community. He was a volunteer at Graterford Prison and a board member of the Pennsylvania Prison Society, believing firmly in the dignity of people behind bars. He also became a volunteer Pardons Case Representative for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and prepared taxes for low-income senior citizens.

Donovan was a devout Catholic and actively involved in his local church, serving as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, an altar server, and a lector. He was also active in the Knights of Columbus and volunteered for the Archdiocese of Allentown at a nursing home.

Awards and Recognitions

Donovan’s unwavering commitment to service and integrity earned him numerous awards and recognitions. He was awarded the Pennsylvania Prison Society’s Volunteer of the Year Award and the American Red Cross’s Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2019, he was inducted into the Philadelphia Catholic League Sports Hall of Fame.

Legacy

Paul Donovan’s life was one of exceptional service and compassion. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be deeply missed by his family and the countless lives he touched throughout his lifetime.

Arrangements

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 31st at 11 a.m. at Epiphany of Our Lord Church in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania. Friends and family are invited to call prior to Mass from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Burial will be private at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Paul’s name to the American Red Cross.

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