John Donovan, age 91, passed away December 6, 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born August 18, 1926 in Wilmington, DE, the son of Catherine (Lewis) and Dennis Donovan. He retired from Plumbers & Pipefitters Local #74 in 1990. He served his country during World War II and received an honorable discharge from the US Navy. He was a long-time parishioner of The Church of the Holy Child where he was also a member of the choir for a number of years. He enjoyed watching sports, especially the Philadelphia Phillies and watching old cowboy movies. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife to Florida, but two trips they took held a very special significance. They were married in Hawaii and they traveled to Ireland to visit County Cork which was a part of the family's heritage. Being a master plumber, he was always ready to lend a hand to family and friends.He is predeceased by his parents; brothers and spouses Francis (Loretta), Matthew (Irene), and Donald; sisters Betty (Louis) Pasquale, Teresa (Robert) Groves, Joan (Joseph) Stringer; sons Francis & Matthew. He is survived by the love of his life, Ellen (Littleton) of 34 years, beloved dog MacDougal, daughter Lora Ann (Samuel) Jacoby; brothers Gerald (Lana) and Thomas (Adela) Donovan; sisters-in-law Nancy Littleton and Carol Donovan; 6 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, 3 step-daughters, 8 step-grandchildren and 3 step great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice House Delaware and Delaware Hospice for the compassionate care he received during his most difficult last days.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, December 11, 2017, at The Church of the Holy Child, 2500 Naamans Rd, Wilmington at 11:30 AM, with visitation at 10:30 AM. Entombment will follow at Cathedral Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Heartland Hospice House Delaware, 5661 Ocheltree Lane, Wilm., DE 19808 or Delaware Hospice, 16 Polly Drummond Center, 2nd Floor, Polly Drummond Shopping Center, Newark, DE 19711.