Brian N. Donovan, 84, died Saturday, April 30, 2011 at Rest Haven-York. He was the devoted husband of the late Laura H. (Smith-ers) Donovan. Brian was a member of St. Joseph Church, 2935 Kingston Road, York, where the family will host a memorial mass on Tuesday, May 3, 2011, with Father Jim as celebrant. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 12 noon with a funeral mass to follow. Burial will be private in Holy Saviour Cemetery. The John W. Keffer Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inc., 902 Mt. Rose Ave., York, is assisting the family. Mr. Donovan was born February 14, 1927 in Washington, D.C., a son ofthe late William B. and Edna (Forsythe) Donovan. Brian attended the Univ. of Pennsylvania and was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. His education was interrupted by his service in the US Army in Korea. Upon his return, Brian and Laura, his childhood sweetheart, were married and they began to raise a family of six beloved children. Brian grew up in a family of tradesmen in the plumbing and heating industry and eventually started his own association with the business. In the early 1950's, he began working with the Borg-Warner Corp. in Philadelphia where he gained experience in managing the installation of large industrial refrigeration systems. After moving his young and growing family around the country, they eventually settled in York in 1965 where upon Brian assumed the responsibilities of Construction Manager for the newly formed Freezing Equipment Sales, Inc. Working with the original partners, Brian traveled around the world overseeing large equipment installations and helping FES grow as a recognized leader within its industry. Following his retirement, Brian was able to accomplish one of his personal ambitions by creating a partnership that developed a large refrigerated distribution center in York. With its sale, Brian and Laura were able to retire to Ocean Pines, Md. and Naples, Fla., where they enjoyed many years of comfortable retirement. Brian is survived by his children, Eileen Briddell and husband Phil of York, Ann Bergdoll and husband Jon of Railroad, Nancy Boeckel, Karen Shultz and husband Don of York, Jackie Donovan and partner Sue Laks of Collingswood, N.J., and Jim Donovan of Hummelstown; 12 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister, Patricia. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Church, 2935 Kingston Rd., York, PA 17402. As a lifelong sailor, who could read the wind and chart his course, PopPop and Mau will sail on together and forever be cherished by their loved ones. KefferFH.com
Published in York Daily Record & York Dispatch on May 2, 2011