Robert F.

Donovan

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert F. Donovan, an esteemed member of the Chelsea community, who departed this life on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at the Leonard Florence Center for Living. He had been receiving supportive care there for the past seven months. Robert was 88 years old.
Born and raised in Chelsea, Robert was the beloved son of the late John F. Sr. and Agnes C. (Crowley) Donovan and one of three sons. He was a lifelong resident, spending many years in the Prattville neighborhood before moving to Cohen Florence  Levine Estates Assisted Living in 2017. Robert attended local schools, graduating from Malden Catholic High School, and furthered his education at Dean Jr. College.
A dedicated businessman, Robert built a successful career as a self-employed Independent Insurance Agent in Chelsea, serving the community he cherished for many years. His commitment to public service was exemplified through his tenure as a three-term State Representative for Chelsea from 1971 to 1977. Furthermore, he was appointed Commandant of the Chelsea Soldiers Home, a position he held from 1981 to 1983. Robert remained active in local politics throughout his life and loved engaging in spirited discussions about current affairs.
An avid sports fan and former Red Sox bat boy, Robert dedicated time to cheering on the Red Sox and the New England Patriots. He frequented travel, exploring various parts of the country and abroad, forming memories he cherished. He was a proud member of the Chelsea Sagamore Club and the Cary Square Associates, organizations that allowed him to connect with fellow community members. A true entertainer at heart, he would often serenade friends and family with his beloved rendition of "Danny Boy".
Robert is predeceased by his parents and his two brothers and their spouses, John F. Donovan, Jr. and his wife Marguerite, and Richard C. Donovan and his wife Kathleen.
He is survived by his cherished nieces and nephew, Jane Harney and her husband Jim, John F. Donovan, III and his wife Laura, Katie Donovan, and Mimi Lynch and her husband John, as well as four great-nieces and three great-nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. A Mass of Christian Burial will commence at St. Michael the Archangel Chapel, located at 100 Summit Ave., Chelsea, at 10:00 A.M. Prior to the service, family and friends are invited to gather and pay their respects in St. Michael's Cardinal Cushing Pavilion, beginning at 9:00 A.M. The day's ceremonies will conclude with interment at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that contributions be made in Robert's name to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, PO Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741, or online at https://give.michaeljfox.org/.

Robert F. Donovan will be remembered for his deep commitment to family, community, and public service. May he rest in peace.