Larry M. Donovan, of Ocean Ridge, FL and Halifax Nova Scotia passed away on May 25, 2012.
Larry was born July 5, 1928 in Kalamazoo, MI.
Predeceased by his parents, J. Carroll and Florence Maloney Donovan, his first wife, Patricia Brand Donovan and special cousins Dan & Marge Maloney Stack (Menlo Park, CA) and MaryEllen LaDuke Smith (Mattawan, MI). He is survived by his brother, Richard (Lois) Donovan of St. Clair Shores, MI.
Larry is also survived by his second wife and best friend, Janet O'Neill Donovan, his daughter, Teri Donovan Springer (Richland, MI), step-son David O'Neill of Halifax, step-daughter Kathryn (Jim) Shaw (Chester, Nova Scotia) and grandsons James (Chelsea) Springer (Hickory Corners, MI) and Lawrence Springer (Richland, MI), Monty Mader, and granddaughters Katelyn and Carly Mader (Chester, Nova Scotia).
Larry was raised on the family farm in Lawrence, MI. The family later moved to Paw Paw where Larry was a stand out student and athlete with varsity letters in football, baseball, basketball and track. He was a proud graduate of the University of Notre Dame, class of 1950 with a degree in Finance.
Larry worked in sales until 1959 when he opened his first bowling center (Gala Lanes) in Kankakee, IL. He went on to open 2 more, Gala West (Naperville, IL) and Gala North (Carol Stream, IL) as well as three Pappy's Pizza Parlors in Kalamazoo, East Lansing and Flint, MI.
Larry was a long-time member of Oakland Hills, Country Club in Birmingham, MI and Medinah Country Club (Medinah, IL) and he served as the head of the House Committee at the latter for many years. He served on many boards including the last several years on the Board of Directors at The Tamarind in Ocean Ridge, FL.
Larry had one great addiction: he was a life-long fan of the Chicago Bears. As a season ticket holder for years he never missed a home game and, even after giving up his tickets he still managed to attend a game or two every year with his dear friend, Jerry Lindley. Just last year Larry, Janet, Dick and Lois attended a Notre Dame home game followed by a Bears game with Jerry.
Larry was never without a smile and he enjoyed a Crown Royal with a splash of water and lots of ice. He loved to be with his friends, and they are legion. He was a consummate story and joke teller and loved to sing and he loved to hear a good story or joke as well. He was also an accomplished ballroom dancer who loved the Big Band music. Even with his advanced Parkinson's disease he still managed to get out and cut a rug as recently as this past St. Patrick's Day.
Friends may call on Monday, May 28, 2012 from 2PM to 4PM at the Lorne and Sons Funeral Home, 745 NE 6th Avenue, (N. Fed Hwy), Delray Beach. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, 10AM at St. Mark's Catholic Church, 643 St. Marks Place (NE 4th Ave.), Boynton Beach.
An Irish wake will be held on Thursday, May 31 in the evening at the Gull Lake Country Club in Richland, MI.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Notre Dame University, The Parkinson's Association or the Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center in Augusta, MI.