NAUGATUCK — William (Bill) P. Donovan, born Aug. 2, 1956, passed away suddenly on March 5, 2015 at Waterbury Hospital.
William is survived by his wife of 34 years, Kathleen L. Donovan; his three daughters, Keeley E. (Donovan) Phipps, Katelyn J. Donovan, Kellie A. Donovan; his grandson, Colton D. Phipps; son-in-law, Ryan Phipps, along with several nephews and nieces, grand nephews and nieces, and numerous cousins.
William was predeceased by his mother, Rose M. (Nardello) Donovan; brother, Gerald Donovan and sister, Jackie O’Donnell.
William was a lifelong resident of Naugatuck. He and his wife, Kathleen L. Donovan, also a lifelong resident of Naugatuck were married in August 1980 and remained in Naugatuck to raise their three daughters. William was a commercial plumber for the Local 777 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union.
William attended Naugatuck High School and was a four-year member of the Naugatuck High School football team. William began skiing when he was 5 years old and went on to achieve great success as a junior ski racer ranking number one in the Tri-State area in his class. William was invited to the Olympic B team at age 16. William went on to become a well-respected ski racing coach at Mount Southington and Mohawk Mountain. William loved the sport of ski racing and passed on his knowledge and skill of ski racing to his three daughters as well as many young ski racers many of whom achieved great success in their ski racing career. William was well respected and loved by those he touched in the ski racing circuit.
William loved spending time with his family, especially his grandson, Colton. William was an avid golfer and motorcyclist enjoying these activities with friends and family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 9, 2015, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 318 Church St., Naugatuck. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery. Friends and family may call on Sunday, March 8, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Ave., Naugatuck.
Donations may be made to the U.S. Olympic Team at www.TeamUSA.org.
To send an online condolence to the Donovan family, visit www.buckmillerthurstonmengacci.com.
