Joseph E.R. Donovan

Dracut - Joseph E. R. Donovan, 89, husband of Alice J. (Neylon) Donovan, with whom he celebrated his 51st wedding anniversary on July 14, died Saturday July 30, 2005, at his Dracut residence following an extended illness.
He was born in Lowell on July 25, 1916 a son of the late Jeremiah and Rose (Gauthier) Donovan.
He was educated in the Lowell schools and enlisted in the Army in 1934. He retired from the Army in 1965 after 31 years of service, having retired with the rank of Command Sergeant Major, 1st Infantry Division, also known as the Big Red One.
Mr. Donovan served in WWII, in Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, Germany, and Austria. He was awarded the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star, and the Ribbon with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster commendation.
After retirement from the US Army Mr. Donovan was employed by the General Services Administration and was assigned to the IRS in Andover, retiring in 1980.
Surviving him besides his wife are a son and daughter in law, Michael D. Donovan of Phoenix, AZ and Susan (Lawlor) Donovan of Stoneham; a daughter Martha A. Donovan of Melrose; three grandchildren Tara, Patrick and Erin Donovan; a cousin Mary Baldwin of Lowell; and several nieces and nephews.