Michael J. Donovan
November 19, 1939 - January 30, 2022
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 4 children and preceded in death by his brother John, 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, United States of America. He served the Parish as a teacher in the High School. He then transferred to St. Ambrose Parish in Salt Lake City Utah. 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 story teller 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 as 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 February 11th, from 6 to 8 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor 3651 So. 900 East. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on February 12th at 11 am at St. Vincent's de Paul Catholic Church, 1375 East Spring Lane. Arrangements entrusted to Starks Funeral Parlor.
For those unable to attend services please return to this page just before his funeral mass where a “Watch Service Live” button will appear.
In Loving Memory
I will miss my buddy. What a blessing to be friends with the Donovan's. Our thoughts and prayers. Aleck and Shirley Price, Utah
Aleck Shirley Shilaos
PRICE, UT
Michael was such a blessing to our mental health team where he worked for many years....he was bright, funny, energetic ,compassionate and a great team player...he loved ongoing learning and was eager to try new ideas . His colleagues thought highly of him....his contributions will be with each person he served as he coached and guided people to find a better path in life. I am grateful to have worked with him over all those years.
Candace Lowry
West Jordan, Ut
My friend Michael was an amazing friend to those he worked with. He had a great deal of wisdom for his patients that he worked with. It was a joy to work with him and call him friend. He will be missed by many.
Linda Cottam I
Draper, UT
Our thoughts are with Gail at this time. Michael was a great guy and an tremendous asset to the Hibernian Society of Utah. Rest in peace. Brent & Collette Peck
Collette Peck
Tucson, AZ
It was a pleasure to know Michael. Always a pleasant word and a kind smile. Someone who made the day of everyone he met better. God's blessing at this time of loss.
Peggy Carrico
West Bountiful, Ut
Aw Gail! I'm so saddened to hear of your loss of Michael. What a cool guy he was! I'm sure we've probably talked about this, but I knew him from playing music for Irish dancing at St. Ambrose. Please know I'm holding you and your grief in my heart, dear cousin. Love to you, Cuz Paul
Paul Rasmussen
Salt Lake City, Ut
Aunt Gail, I am so sorry for this loss. I will never forget the wonderful advice he bestowed, the many intriguing stories, the Irish tunes he always seemed to be whistling, and the genuine, empathetic nature he displayed. He was a gentle giant with a big heart and he will be forever missed. May you be comforted by the many memories and legacy he has left behind.
Wendy Circuit-Stoev
Salt Lake City, UT
My thoughts are with you, Gail, and your family. Michael was a very caring and thoughtful man and will be missed.
Sandra Olson
Salt lake city, UT
Dear Gail, We are so sorry for your loss. Michael will be greatly missed by so many. The video was so beautiful to watch! We were glad to have the opportunity to watch the funeral mass on line as my knee injury made it impossible to be there in person. It was so interesting to hear Father More's homily & to learn that Micheal arrived in the U.S. with Father More and Father Carly. God bless you, Gail. You have amazing memories of Michael and you know that he is at peace and no longer in pain. May his memory and the support of your many friends and your family give you comfort in the coming days and years. Love, Linda and Dave Bernini
Linda & Dave Bernini
Salt Lake City, UT