Obituaries

Richard Donovan

Mr. Richard Donovan


1965 - 2019

The family will receive family and friends at:

1120 JEAN-TALON EST, MONTREAL

Tuesday, August 13, 2019 from 2pm to 5pm and from 7pm to 9pm

On Wednesday August 14 2019 from 9am to 10:30am

The funeral will take place:

Church HOLY FAMILY PARISH

7355 LAJEUNESSE, MONTREAL

Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at 11am

With profound sadness and broken hearts, the Donovan family announces the sudden passing of our most beloved and accomplished, Richard G. Donovan on August 3rd, 2019 at the age of 54.  Cherished husband of 29 years and best friend of Carmelina Petti, he will be deeply missed by his devoted sons Adamo and Justino (Kahentiiohstha Foote). Predeceased by his adoring parents Gerald Donovan and Marie Aline Suzanne Daoust, lovingly remembered by his mother-in-law Concetta Volpacchio Petti (late Nicola Petti), his sister-in-law Tonie Petti (Giovanni Chiello), his nephews Giordano Petti Chiello (Michelina Atallah), Adriano Petti Chiello (Olivia Bitetto), his loving uncles, aunts, cousins, as well as many friends, business and McGill colleagues, and of course his McGill students.

Richard was larger than life and a “man for others”.  He wore many different hats during his (22-year) career at McGill, and was most in his element as a Professor of Practice in the Desautels Faculty of Management.  A natural and passionate educator, he guided his students in putting theory into practice, and was the driving force behind local, national and international case competitions where he constantly challenged students to learn and realize their potential.  He was an invaluable participant in the inaugural Unleash 2017 Innovation Lab in Denmark, where selected students from across the world gathered to create real, scalable solutions to Sustainable Development Goals. Richard was also an accomplished business consultant with the McGill Executive Institute and Richard G. Donovan Consulting Inc. and enjoyed volunteering and working through the day-to-day challenges as Head Warden on the board of directors of Holy Family Parish.

Despite all these responsibilities, Richard’s focus never wavered from being the most loving husband and wonderful and accessible father.  He took his family across the world -- Thailand, China, Japan, France, Denmark, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Bermuda, Hawaii, California, New York, Washington and many more places -- in an effort to show us different cultures and how people lived.  He loved music, was a skilled pianist, played hockey and was devoted to the Habs.  With great strength, grace, and dignity, he always chose the path less travelled.  His hearty laugh, playfulness, kind green eyes, and infectious sense of humour were windows to an approachable and gentle soul. He was a role model, a father figure to many and an inspiration to all. It was a privilege and an honour to have had him in our lives and we will carry his spirit and his love forever.  Richard, you were cherished and will be missed.

A special thank you to the Glens Falls EMS crews, the staff at Glens Falls Hospital, the management of Home 2 Suites in Queensbury, and UNYTS, for their compassion and care. 

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial donations to Liana’s Dream Foundation or the ICU Bridge Program, via the Montreal General Hospital Foundation website, fund #4494 in honour of Richard George Donovan.

Viewing to take place on Tuesday, August 13th, 2019, 2 to 5 pm & 7 to 9 pm at:

Alfred Dallaire Memoria

1120 Jean Talon East, Montreal, Qc  H2V 1V9 (corner Christophe-Colomb & Jean Talon)

https://www.memoria.ca/18-facility-1120-jean-talon-e-.html

(parking located on south-east corner of Christophe Colomb & Jean Talon)

 

A funeral service will be held on the morning of Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at 11 am at:

Holy Family Parish

7355 Rue Lajeunesse, Montreal, QC H2R 2H6

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