Patrick J. Donovan passed away suddenly on October 28, 2025, at the age of 60.  Pat was a kind-hearted, witty, and generous man who brought laughter and light to everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents, Alene and Daniel R. Donovan Sr., and his brother, Daniel R. Donovan Jr. He is survived by his beloved sisters, Kelly Donovan, Tammy Donovan, and Deborah Farley (Gene).  He was a favorite uncle; having shared countless cherished memories and family milestones with his nephews and nieces: Jack Donovan, Sean Farley (Jaime), Jason Farley, Matthew Eichmann, Tyler Patrick Donovan, Kylie Eichmann, Katie Eichmann, Jennifer Farley; and his great-nieces, Alayah Eichman and Norah Farley.  Pat shared an especially close bond with his sister Kelly and his nephew Jack, with whom he lived.  He will also be missed by his feline family members, Sheena and Bailey.

Pat graduated from Cinnaminson High School in 1983 and went on to earn his degree in Psychology from Rutgers University, working hard to support himself along the way.  After college, he began his lifelong career at Bancroft Neurohealth, where he dedicated over 30 years to helping adults with disabilities lead meaningful, joyful lives.

His compassion and commitment touched not only those he supported in the program, but also the people he worked with, including Paul Nociforo whom was first a co-worker and became a friend.  Pat was one of those special people who tried hard to keep in touch with former co-workers and friends he'd grown up with and went to school with - too many to be named, but the family hopes that you know how much he cherished your friendship.

Pat found his calling at Bancroft as a Direct Support Professional, and he cared deeply for his "Guys," in the program, including those in his current program Daniel, Thomas, Darrell, Christian, Bruce, Daniel, Bobby, Julien, along with those he supported previously.  Many of the residents that Pat worked closely with became like family to him, like Iris Tucker and Brad Silberstein.  Brad is one of Pat's original "Guys" who has been part of Pat's life so long that he's become an honorary Donovan family member.

Pat was fun to be around, no matter the setting.  He was usually the last one to the party or family event, but never the first to leave.  On his days off he could often be found hanging out at Dunkin Donuts or Barnes & Noble, reading, drinking coffee and striking up conversations with strangers.  To Pat, strangers were just people he didn't know, yet.  Pat had an uncanny ability to steer any conversation toward a movie he'd just seen, a book he'd just finished, or a New York Times article he just read.  His quick wit, sharp humor, and funny impersonations were legendary among those who knew him best.  He delighted in making other people laugh.

Pat was steadfast and persistent in support of family, extending his loyalty to even his four-legged family members.  Pat shared his home (and heart) with his late cat, Jewel, for nearly 20 years.  Jewel was, according to everyone in Pat's family, one of the meanest cats to ever walk the earth. For years, the family believed she only loved Pat, until it became clear she didn't actually love anyone, and Pat was simply too smitten to notice. Their relationship was a true testament to one of his best traits: unconditional love.

Pat was selfless, endlessly curious, and always up for an adventure, and he encouraged and inspired the people he knew to be the same way.   He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.  His laughter, kindness, and boundless caring will live on forever in the stories we tell about him and the laughter of those of who loved him.

The family invites you to a visitation on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 10:00 am followed by his Celebration of Life Remembrance at Terranova Funeral Home, 402 White Horse Pike, Haddon Heights, NJ 08035.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Pat's name to the Special Olympics ( www.specialolympics.org ) would be greatly appreciated.  Additionally, the family encourages acts of kindness or a favorite movie night in Pat's honor.