Obituary of Mark F. Donovan, Jr.

Mark F. Donovan, Jr., age 84, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, June 1, 2025. He was the beloved husband of 44 years to the late Rita (Cerrotti) Donovan. Born in Bridgeport on December 31, 1940, he was a son of the late Mark F. Donovan, Sr. and Jean (Komody) Donovan and was a longtime resident of Shelton. 

Mr. Donovan was a firefighter with the City of Bridgeport with over 32 years of dedicated service retiring in 2004 as a Captain. During his long career with the Bridgeport Fire Department Mr. Donovan received numerous citations and awards. Two particular incidents distinguished themselves for their bravery and selflessness, which he received Commendations for his life saving actions from the Bridgeport Board of Fire Commissioners. The first act of meritorious service occurred in 1975, when after discovering his stricken elderly neighbor lying unconscious on his front lawn, Mr. Donovan was able to resuscitate him with CPR, thereby saving his life.
The second commendation was for his bravery while assisting in the rescue of a boater and his young five-year-old son, whom had capsized in frigid water while out on Long Island Sound in 1976. These actions encapsulate the biblical maxim "He who saves one life, saves the world entire".

Mr. Donovan enjoyed many hobbies in retirement which included traveling, barbecuing, card playing, golfing, going to casinos, fire shows and a passion for antiquing in Amish PA.  which he shared with his two sons.

Survivors include two sons, James Donovan of Hamden and Peter Donovan and his wife Esperanza of Shelton.

 A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. directly in St. Catherine of Siena Church, 220 Shelton Rd., Trumbull. Interment will follow in Mountain Grove Cemetery, Bridgeport. Friends may greet the family on Wednesday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull. For online condolences, please visit us at www.abriola.com.