William J. "Billy" Donovan's Obituary
William J. “Billy” Donovan, 62, of Cicero, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on January 4, 2023. He was born in Syracuse, son of the late Theodore and Elizabeth (Ennis) Donovan.
Billy is survived by his wife of 38 years, Mary Beth (Jackson) Donovan; two daughters, Morgan (Devin) Mackie of NYC and Lauren Donovan of Cicero; two grandchildren, Kennedy Marilyn Mackie and Beau William Mackie; four siblings, Sally Silvaggio, Theodore (Christine) Donovan, Dale Luckette and Patricia Nuzzo; several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by a brother, Danny.
If you are in his circle, you are likely torn between having a heart that is broken and one that is filled with gratitude for having been lucky enough to be part of Billy D’s world. He made everyone feel welcome on the golf course, on the lake, on the basketball court, at Pastimes, at Lakeshore YCC, or even in his driveway. Whether it was an official Donovan Family Fun Day or a pop-up event just because, it was Billy D that rallied the troops. There was never a shortage of music, food, pictures, stories, full (never half) glasses, jokes from his official rotation, and hugs all around (rumor has it he was a sentimental soul). He had an innate ability to remind each of us that we mattered, and you left your time with him feeling better for the time spent.
Syracuse was in Billy’s blood. A product of the north side, and those friends remain a treasured part of his world decades later. From the halls of St. John the Baptist to Assumption to OCC to Oswego, Billy made lifelong connections at every turn. Billy worked for National Grid for almost 4 decades. Ask someone, “How do you know Billy?” and the answers are likely to span years and zip codes and each of those people etched a place in his heart.
Though he shared his heart with many, Mary Beth has been his true love and best friend since they were 13. They shared a love and partnership that brought unmistakable decades of “BEST DAYS EVER”. Billy beamed with pride and joy with any mention of daughters Lauren and Morgan and Morgan’s husband Devin. He embraced each and every moment with his girls and as their worlds expanded, so did Billy’s love for this growing circle of family and friends. Grandkids Kennedy and Beau filled his heart in unimaginable ways and even the 4-legged grandkids Sunnie and Bruce were a gift to him. Every family memory will be forever richer because of what Billy added to the mix.
A Funeral Mass in celebration of Billy’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at St. Patrick’s/St. Brigid’s Church, 216 North Lowell Ave., Syracuse, NY. Family and friends may call from 3:00 – 6:00 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Golisano Children’s Hospital or St. Patrick’s/St. Brigid’s Church.
In Billy’s honor, share a hug with those you love most and hold on a little longer.
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