Dennis Donovan, 78, of Mesa, Ariz., passed away at Apache Junction Health Center after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017.
He was born Dec. 28, 1938, and was the son …
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Dennis Donovan, 78, of Mesa, Ariz., passed away at Apache Junction Health Center after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017.
He was born Dec. 28, 1938, and was the son of the late James M. and Gladys (Hermanson) Donovan. He is survived by his loving wife, Sue, his stepdaughter Lisa and her husband Mark McKenzie, of Mesa, and stepson Jeff Johnson, of Lubbock, Texas; two brothers, Robert F. Donovan of Florida, and George A. Donovan of East Providence; close friends Michelle and Stan Masscotte of Florida, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, G. Mary Donovan, and brother, James R. Donovan.
After graduating from East Providence High School, Denny served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps as a Staff Sergeant-communications instructor at Fort Gordon and Fort Benning, Ga. After military service he returned to New England where he began to restore antique cars and went to work for IBM until 1977, then moving to the Phoenix-Tuscon area, retiring after many years with the Associated Press. He was longtime member of the Antique Auto Club of America and traveled to many antique and classic car shows throughout the country. A 1931 Ford Model A coupe was his most prized possession, which he restored as a bright red Phoenix fire chief's car which he and Sue drove in parades and other events. Known for his great smile and famous trademark handlebar mustache, he was remembered wherever he went. He and Sue enjoyed classical music and attending the Arizona Opera. As a highly skilled and inventive mechanic and artist he could create anything in his garage including large objects of welded steel. Denny will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.