Edward J. Donovan, Jr., a longtime resident of Reading, formerly of Melrose, passed away at the Elmhurst Nursing Center in Melrose on March 29, 2019.  He was 84 years of age.

Edward was born in Melrose on December 25, 1934 the son of the late Edward J. and Mary (McCormick) Donovan.  He was a graduate of Melrose High School class of 1952.  He worked as a Lineman and spent his entire career with NE Telephone which then became Verizon retiring in 1997.  Edward was a veteran of the Korean War and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army.  He was a member of the VFW in Melrose.  Edward enjoyed fishing, keeping up his beautiful lawn and attending all his grandchildren's sporting events.

He was the beloved husband of Noreen F. (Jordan) Donovan.  Devoted father of Stephen E. Donovan of Campbell, CA and Brian F. Donovan and his wife Gail of Reading.  Cherished brother of Mary Crowther of Melrose, Sheila Enwright of CA, the late Patricia Rossino and Jane Bushee.  Loving grandfather of Kate, Sean, Brendan and Braden.

A celebration of Edward's life will be held on Saturday April 20 at the Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral 25 Sanborn St. (corner of Woburn St.) Reading at 12:00PM.  A visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00AM-12:00PM.  Burial is private.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Edward's memory to the Friends of Harold Parker State Forest 52 Harold Parker Rd. Andover, MA 01810. www.friendsofharoldparker.org.