Michael John Donovan

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Michael John Donovan

Michael John Donovan

Michael John Donovan was born November 19, 1939, to Agnes and Patrick Donovan in the town of Cashel in central Ireland. He was the oldest of four children and was preceded in death by his brother John, and sisters Mary and Anne.

Michael entered the seminary in Thurles, Ireland to become a Catholic priest. He was ordained in 1967 and subsequently was recruited to a parish in Price, Utah. He served the parish as a teacher in the high school. He then transferred to St. Ambrose Parish in Salt Lake City.

After serving for six years in the priesthood, he became interested in the field of psychology and after post-graduate study, left to work in that field. He worked at a drug rehabilitation center and then left to return to Price where he was a leasing manager for a car dealership for several years. That led him back to Salt Lake City where he again entered the profession of psychology and was a counselor in the Department of Psychiatry for 22 years.

After retirement, he was involved in volunteer work as the treasurer for the Hibernian Society and also the president of Club Vision, a program for the blind. He was a great storyteller and gave many Irish presentations at the Heritage Senior Center in Murray.

Michael met his wife Gail in Salt Lake City, and they were married in 1992. Michael became a stepfather to Don (Nancy), Tony (Julie) and Lisa (Per) and daughter-in-law Fran. He was a beloved grandfather to Michael, Chris, Cole, Alex, Natalie, Sadie and Ruby. He happily was present to meet two great grandchildren, Sophie and Warren, before his passing. He was loved by many friends and family, including his nephews Emmet and John and nieces Treacy, Sinaid and Joann, as well as grand nieces and nephews in Ireland. He was blessed to travel the world with his wife, including many visits to Ireland. He will be missed and mourned by many.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, Feb. 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 S. 900 East, Salt Lake City. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on February 12 at 11 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1375 E. Spring Lane, Holladay.  Arrangements entrusted to Starks Funeral Parlor. Share your photos and memories with his family at www.starksfuneral.com.