Robert John O'Donovan Sr

Robert Bob John O Donovan, Sr., 73, of North Windham, beloved father, of Robert, Stephen and Mary O Donovan, died Thursday, November 24, 2005 at home. Bob was born in Newburgh New York, the son of the late Alfred and Louise (Britton) O Donovan Jr. He was the valedictorian and president of his senior class at Newburgh Free Academy, where he also lettered in football, basketball, baseball and track. Bob was awarded a full scholarship to attend Princeton University where he majored in chemical engineering. Following graduation, Bob worked as an engineer for Sacony Mobil, the predecessor of Exxon-Mobil. In 1958, after studying theology at St. Joseph s University, in Philadelphia, Bob joined the Benedictine monastic community at Newton, New Jersey where he was known as Frater Leo. Among other roles, Bob served as the monastery s apiarist. Bob left the monastery in 1963, joined his family in Pennsylvania and began a career as a mathematics teacher that would span over 35 years. In 1964, Bob was awarded a grant and enrolled at Brown University in a mathematics masters degree program. After being awarded the degree, Bob settled in Norwich, Connecticut and taught mathematics there until his retirement in 1998. Bob enjoyed teaching and especially enjoyed teaching math. Bob was a longtime member of Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish and was deeply devoted to his family and his Catholic faith. Bob is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Robert and Manana O Donovan Jr. of Tbilisi within the Republic of Georgia, and Stephen and Farrah O Donovan of Mansfield; his daughter, Mary O Donovan of Middlebury VT; a step grandson, Nika Barbakadze; a grandson, Stephen O Donovan, two brothers Alfred O Donovan and Richard O Donovan; two sisters, Patricia O Donovan and Judy Kelly, and many nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew and loved him. The funeral will be on Wednesday, November 30, 10:00 a.m. at Saint Thomas Aquinas Chapel, 46 North Eagleville Rd., Storrs CT. Burial will be private. Visiting hours with a prayer service will be Tuesday, November 29, 6-8:00 p.m. at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195), Willimantic CT. In lieu of flowers,contributions in Bob s memory may be made to: Haitian Ministries, 1595 Norwich-New London Turnpike, Uncasville, CT 06382, www.haitianministries.org . For online memorials and directions, please visit at www.potterfh.com .