Gary Donovan

Thomaston, CT Gary J. Donovan, 64, the husband of Nancy Smoley (Burns) Donovan, passed away peacefully Saturday, November 28, 2015 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Gary was born on May 29, 1951 in Waterbury, a son of the late Lynwood and Irene (Lawson) Donovan. He grew up in Naugatuck and graduated from Naugatuck High School. Gary had lived in Thomaston for the past 4 years, after being a Wolcott resident for more than 20 years. For the last 15 years he owned and operated a utility pipeline construction business. Gary was a U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam War Veteran. Gary loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed camping, traveling, UCONN football and tailgating at the games. His newest hobby was tapping his own trees to make maple syrup.
In addition to his wife Nancy, Gary is survived by his son, Brian Donovan and his wife Aimee of Wolcott; his daughter, Jodi Giglio and her husband Patrick of Wolcott, his sister, Cynthia Taurinski and her husband Michael of St. Cloud, FL; his sister Lynn Donovan and her significant other Suzie Poplardo of Naugatuck, his grandchildren, Kaylin, Avery, Carter and Zackary and also Olive, who is expected to arrive in February; his stepsons, Jesse Burns of Missoula, Montana and Adam Burns of Waterbury and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many cherished friends.

A celebration of Gary's life will take place Thursday, December 3, 2015 at 11:00am at Hillside Covenant Church, 100 Hillside Avenue, Naugatuck. Military honors will follow at the church. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Avenue, Naugatuck.