Obituary Donovan Sr., William "Bill" (1946-2023) Beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather William (Bill) Donovan Sr. of Westwood, formerly of Weymouth and Abington passed away Tuesday, January 17, 2023 after a long illness. Although he would be reluctant to acknowledge it, Bill spent most of his life in service of others. Eventually, Jackson, who had been a political rival of Donovan's in New York State, considered him a "godsend"; in return for Donovan's help, but also because the OSS had proven "vital for the prosecution team," Jackson lobbied Truman in person to approve of Donovan's plans for a permanent postwar intelligence agency. Donovan was 21 years old when he broke into the big leagues on April 22, 1898, with the Washington Senators. To service. Arrangements by Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home of Rapid City, SD. "[22] Donovan, Douglas Waller has said, "could not have formed the OSS without the British, who provided intelligence, trainers, organizational charts and advice all with the idea of making OSS an adjunct to British intelligence. A decorated veteran of World War I, Donovan is believed to be the only person to have been awarded all four of the following prestigious decorations: the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal, and the National Security Medal. [22], Donovan died at the age of 76 from complications of vascular dementia on February 8, 1959, at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.[23] Upon learning of his death, the CIA sent a cable to its station chiefs: "The man more responsible than any other for the existence of the Central Intelligence Agency has passed away. Billy was an uncle to eleven nephews and four nieces. [83] In the 1952 presidential election, Donovan campaigned for Eisenhower, who had become a good friend since the war. Eventually he had surgery on the knee, and the hope was to get him back for the playoffs. William Joseph "Wild Bill"[1] Donovan (January 1, 1883 February 8, 1959) was an American soldier, lawyer, intelligence officer and diplomat, best known for serving as the head of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the precursor to the Bureau of Intelligence and Research and the Central Intelligence Agency, during World War II. While the OSS got "glowing reviews" from many wartime commanders, notably Eisenhower, who described its contributions as "vital", critics dismissed it as "an arm of British intelligence" and, like the Times-Herald reporter, painted dark pictures of it as an American Gestapo in the making. The latter wanted to indict the entire German High Command, not just men who had personally ordered or committed war crimes; Donovan considered this a violation of American principles of fairness. The climax of his war on alcohol came in August 1923, when his agents raided Buffalo's upmarket Saturn Club (of which Donovan himself was a member) and confiscated large amounts of illegal liquor. When this insult was corrected, Donovan accepted the distinction. Donovan's father, born in 1858, worked as the superintendent of a Buffalo railroad yard, then as secretary for Holy Cross Cemetery, and also would attempt to engage in a political career, but with little success. Copyright 2023 Echovita Inc. All rights reserved. Beloved son of the late William C. and Mary T. Donovan of Shrewsbury, Bill leaves his devoted brothers and sisters; Denis P. of Medford, James E. of Chicago, IL, Margaret Donovan Elliott of Guilford, CT, Anne Donovan Potter of Brooklyn, NY, Mary C. of Northampton, and John B. of Brooklyn, NY. Born Thursday, June 20, 1940 in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late Murtha Vincent Donovan and the late Julia Alice (Burkusky) Donovan. Burial will be at 10:00 am Friday, October 2 at the Hecla City Cemetery. Place and date: Near Landres-et-St. Georges, France, 1415 October 1918. I think you try to stay hopeful and optimistic that once he can get that resolved and get past that threshold, that hed be on his way, Donovan said. Donovan and Churchill got along famously, sharing war stories and reciting in unison the nineteenth-century poem "The Cavalier's Song" by William Motherwell. Bill is survived by his elder brothers: Jerry Donovan of San Marcos, CA and Joe Donovan of Hecla, SD; and a host of other relatives and friends. William David Donovan was born September 2, 1939 at Britton, SD to Edward and Freda Elizabeth (Himes) Donovan. And, true to character, Billy only viewed this incident as a minor inconvenience. SENATE PRESIDENT Jeb Bradley, R-Wolfeboro, last week helped keep alive a controversial bill to legalize online gambling. [42] He also had lunch with King George VI. Donovan explained: "Oh, you don't understand. "Billy" Donovan March 5, 1960 - January 4, 2023 View Obituary & Service Information Login Print The family of William J. William C. Donovan, Jr. of Westborough MA, formerly of Boston and Shrewsbury, died peacefully Sunday, February 16, 2014, surrounded by his family. Online contributions may be made by visiting https: //http://www.gifts.duke.edu or checks can be mailed to Kristy Sartin at the Duke Cancer Institute Development Office, 300 W. Morgan Street Suite 1200, Durham, NC 27701, noting the memorial name in the memo line. Billy was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware and was a 1966 graduate of P. S. duPont High School. Laguna Hills, CA 92653 | FD 1293, OConnor Mortuary [75], On May 17, 1945, Donovan flew to Europe to prepare for the prosecutions, and eventually brought 172 OSS officers onto Jackson's team, interviewing Auschwitz survivors, tracking down SS and Gestapo documents, and uncovering other evidence. [22] Impressed by Donovan and cheered by his eagerness to help Britain, Churchill ordered that he be given unlimited access to classified information. [28] There were a number of threats to assassinate him and to dynamite his home, but he was not deterred. He attended Loyola High School (46) and Loyola University (50) where he excelled in both basketball and baseball. 1050. Rest In Peace my fellow veteran. Eisenhower offered to make Donovan the Ambassador to France, but Donovan turned down the offer, not wanting to work closely with John Foster Dulles, for whom he had little respect. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Heart Association would be appreciated. But until they can solve that piece, no one has said to me, Hey, listen, this is where hes at, and hell never be the same. I have not heard anything like that. But he worked behind the scenes to aid in the formation of the CIA, recommending that Hillenkoetter hire Dulles and other OSS veterans, suggesting various covert operations, and sharing contacts and information from behind the Iron Curtain. [66] During the weeks leading up to the Valkyrie plot to kill Hitler, Allen Dulles, Donovan's man in Switzerland, who was in contact with the plotters, kept him abreast of developments. Mark was born in Jersey City, NJ, and resided there until 1977 when he moved. [23] After his death, Donovan was awarded the Freedom Award of the International Rescue Committee. It cant be overlooked that when Ball did play his last game for the Bulls, they were a 27-13 team. The information in Billys obituary regarding his military awards is not complete. TORONTO With only 20 regular-season games left, the Bulls point-guard position remained a work in progress clouded in uncertainty. [21] Going into battle, Donovan "ignored the officers' custom of covering or stripping off insignia of rank (targets for snipers) and instead sallied forth wearing his medals", according to Evan Thomas. Ball last played in an NBA game on Jan. 14, 2022. He hired a great many female spies, dismissing criticism by those who felt women were unsuited to such work. [6] He joined the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, rowed on varsity crew, again won a prize for oratory, was a campus football hero, and was voted the "most modest" and one of the "handsomest" members of the graduating class of 1905. He also earned a wrestling scholarship to Milligan College in Tennessee. 47 6 thatphanom.techno@gmail.com 042-532028 , 042-532027 billy. A second surgery third in his NBA career was done right before fall camp started in September, and there were a lot of fingers crossed again that there was finally a path forward. He also earned a wrestling scholarship to Milligan College in Tennessee. He also earned a wrestling scholarship to Milligan College in Tennessee. [81], Meanwhile, Truman moved forward with plans for a new intelligence agency, finally giving approval in 1946 for a watered-down interdepartmental "Central Intelligence Group." It's an ode to the former Florida coach who won a pair of national championships over 19 seasons before leaving for the NBA in 2015 and whose success the Gators have found difficult to replicate.. Following a career as a stock broker and later a builder, he founded Donovan Golf Management where he owned and/or managed a number of courses along with partners including Western Hills Golf Course. Many working class residents of Buffalo cheered the raid as an example of equal justice before the law, however. Bill honorably served his country in the US Air Force. Doctors trying to figure out what is going on, what is causing the pain? Nonetheless, as of May 1944, Donovan had "some eleven thousand American officers and foreign agents scattered in every important capital. "[65] Before the month was over, he was in Italy, implementing reforms in the OSS operation in that theater. He fielded reports from across the continent, where the Wehrmacht was in such chaos that he "knew their positions on the battlefield better than German generals did." After performing a rescue under fire, he was offered the Croix de Guerre, but turned it down because a Jewish soldier who had taken part in the rescue had not also been awarded the honor. He attended Hecla High School for 4 years and graduated as Valedictorian in 1957. For all of his life, Bills number one priority was his family. He traveled extensively in Europe and Asia and ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for U.S. [53] In addition, the OSS was blocked from the Philippines by the antipathy of General Douglas MacArthur, the commander of the Southwest Pacific Theater. He went on to Niagara University, a Catholic university and seminary where he undertook a pre-law major. Bill then taught in Eagle Butte, SD and became the librarian at the reservation until he retired. [8] He studied military strategy and combat tactics. Masks and social distancing measures are required even though the graveside service is outdoors. Bill graduated from Shrewsbury High School and Quinsigamond Community College. He was an avid sportsman throughout his life. [68] Shortly afterwards, he met with Marshal Tito to discuss OSS operations in Yugoslavia. Dad lived a life full of love and accomplishments. The two men were from opposing political parties, but were similar in personality. Bill retired from Citi Bank after completing a tenure of over 40 years. [80], He also became chairman of the newly founded American Committee on United Europe (ACUE), which worked to counter the new Communist threat to Europe by promoting European political unity. Obituary Donovan, William "Bill" of Norfolk, formerly of Medfield, passed away on April 2 at age 84 after a long illness. 2017-2023 Tribute Archive. Donovan's son, David Rumsey Donovan, was a naval officer who served with distinction in World War II. [84], Donovan took up that post on September 4. In Stimson's view, "Gentlemen do not read each other's mail. From the days at Christ Our King to the day before your passing, Billy was like a big brother: great times & lotsa laughs. With the addition of Patrick Beverley and the continued development of Ayo Dosunmu, even if Dragic were healthy, there would be limited minutes for him. The vice-chairman was Allen Dulles, and Walter Bedell Smith sat on the board as well. Authorize the publication of the original written obituary with the accompanying photo. Prepare a personalized obituary for someone you loved.. November 7, 1954 - He was proud of his Irish Heritage, a devoted family person, honored deeply to have served as a U.S. Marine, and for being a citizen of this Country. Roosevelt wanted to provide such aid, and asked Donovan to use his knowledge of the law to figure out how to skirt the congressional ban on selling armaments to the United Kingdom. Madison/St. Bill is survived by his wife Elana, and his sons and their wives Tom and Joanne Donovan and their three children, Matthew and Gabriella and their three children, Mike and Doris and their four children, John and Rebecca and their child, Bill and Lynda and their five children and Dan and Julie and their child and his daughter and her husband Alana and Jerry McGee and their three children. [9] He also took acting courses in New York City from a stage star of the day, Eleanor Robson. William E. Donovan September 11, 2020 William E. Donovan - Oswego, New York native passed away surrounded by his family following a brief battle with cancer. [52] OSS espionage and other on-site activities helped prepare the ground for the 1942 Allied invasion of North Africa, however,[54] and Donovan himself took part in the Allied landing at Salerno, Italy, on September 3, 1943,[55] and at the Anzio landing on January 22, 1944. A unique and lasting tribute for a loved one. As a self made man, he commanded respect throughout his life, not only in the way he carried himself but also in his accomplishments. . Born in 1930, Bill served 12 years in the U.S Coast Guard as a Radioman First Class and served in the Korean War. William "Bill" Donovan, Sr. (1946-2023) Beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather William (Bill) Donovan Sr. of Westwood, formerly of Weymouth and Abington passed away. In his boyhood, baseball, fishing and surfing filled his days. "[22] To be sure, the Army, Navy, FBI, State Department, and other entities all ran their own intelligence units, but they were feeble and isolated from one another. After the Armistice of 11 November 1918 Donovan remained in Europe as part of the occupation. Donovan, whose idea it was to hold the trials in Nuremberg, also introduced Jackson to useful foreign officials and even released OSS funds to bankroll the prosecution effort. He graduated from SBHS. Following a period serving his country in the US Air Force, Bill became head basketball coach of Loyola University at just 24, which at that time made him the youngest Division 1 coach ever. Rank and organization: Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, 165th Infantry, 42d Division. [17] He also was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for leading an assault during the Aisne-Marne campaign, in which hundreds of members of his regiment died, including his acting adjutant, the poet Joyce Kilmer. William "Billy" Donovan, age 29, of Kennett Square, passed away unexpectedly on April 24, 2022. December 18, 2020 After earning his bachelor of arts, Donovan spent two years at Columbia Law School, where he was a classmate of Franklin D. Roosevelt, and studied under Harlan Fiske Stone. Irvine, CA 92604 | FD 1818, OConnor Mortuary [44], On December 7, after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Donovan met privately with Roosevelt and Edward R. Murrow, and FDR told Donovan, apropos of the COI, "It's a good thing you got me started on this. Bill attended Central High School and then enlisted in the Navy, shortly before his 18th birthday. On the same day that the Bulls waived veteran Goran Dragic, coach Billy Donovan also shed more details on the Lonzo Ball saga. Fiery Funeral Home, 1331 Eastern Blvd. William Joseph Donovan was born on June 4, 1928 in Los Angeles, CA to Robert Emmett and Alice Bennett Donovan from Nebraska. In his senior year, Billy won the Delaware State Wrestling Championship in the 127-pound division. [10] In 1914, he married Ruth Rumsey, a Buffalo heiress who had attended Rosemary Hall. He had a long-standing career with Amtrak in Wilmington, Delaware, working in their welding department. Would you like to offer William Livingston Donovan Jr.s loved ones a condolence message? Donovan was present for that invasion, too, after which he returned to Rome for a secret meeting with Hitler's envoy to the Vatican, Ernst von Weizscker. February 26, 2023 Excitement made him snort like a race horse." Bulls coach Billy Donovan talks real uncertainty with guard Lonzo Ball, Holmes: No moral victory awaits Bulls if they make play-in tournament, Bulls nearly blow 21-point lead but survive against Pistons, Ayo Dosunmu eager to learn from his new vet Patrick Beverley, No moral victory awaits Bulls if they make play-in tournament, Bulls fall up North, and point guard Patrick Beverley asks for more, Center Nikola Vucevic injects dose of reality into Bulls two-game winning streak, Bulls continue to ugly up games as they move closer to play-in spot, Lightfoot is out, Vallas and Johnson are in the April runoff, Chicago police officer dies after exchanging gunfire at close range with suspect in Gage Park, Analysis: How Lightfoot went from political rock star to rock bottom, Patrick Kane leaves Chicago with clear legacy: Blackhawks greatest player of all time, Mayor Lori Lightfoot was in a fight she couldnt have won, Northwestern falls to Penn State in OT for third consecutive loss, Defensive whiz Richard Zoller, high-flying Angelo Ciaravino help Mount Carmel take down Hyde Park. , baseball, fishing and surfing filled his days part of the day, Eleanor Robson went. 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