LELAND — John James Donovan, 88, of Leland, NC, “Brunswick Forest Community” passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at his home with his family at his side.
John was born in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania on April 16, 1937, and was one of five sons born to the late John and Anne Makar Donovan. John graduated from Stowe high school in 1954 and received both his Bachelor of Science degree and Masters of Business Administration from Gannon University.
John was a proud US Army veteran, serving in both Germany and France. After meeting and marrying his wife in France, the couple set up residence in the US. They raised 3 children, living in several locations in the Northeast. Dedicated to providing for his family, John worked for over 40 years in the Information Technology industry.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Donovan.
Surviving are his loving wife of 64 years, Francoise C. Pierre Donovan; a daughter, Michele Vidmar and husband Kevin, Rhode Island; two sons, David Donovan and wife Emily, North Carolina; Daniel Donovan and wife Jessica, North Carolina; three brothers, Patrick Donovan and wife Charlynne, Pennsylvania; Thomas Donovan and wife Maureen, Alabama; Robert Donovan, Pennsylvania; six grandchildren, Alex, Nick, Finnlay, Mirabelle, Connor, Lainy; one great grandchild, Vera; and many nieces and nephews.
A private Celebration of Life will be held.
The family respectfully requests that donations be made in his name to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516, or to the Good Shephard Center, 811 Martin Street, Wilmington, NC 28401.
Online condolences and messages to the family are encouraged and may be shared here.
