Remembering Dr. Richard Joseph Donovan, May 26, 1941 – April 13, 2022
Obituary
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, Richard Joseph Donovan, DDS, passed away on April 13, 2022 in Cape Coral, Florida. He was 80.
Dick was born in Rhinelander, Wisconsin on May 26, 1941 to Dr. Stanley Timothy Donovan and Evelyn Mae Smith Donovan; he was their fourth child. He graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in Racine in 1959. After working a short while as an X-Ray technician, Dick returned to Marquette University, where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1970. A dentist for more than 35 years, Dick joined his father’s Dental practice in Racine and grew it until he merged it into the Racine Dental Group. After retiring the first time in 1999, he went back to work to assist a Dentist who had become disabled and was not able to carry on with her practice. He sold that practice in 2006, fully retiring from practicing dentistry. He moved to DePere in 2013.
Dick met the love of his life, Patricia Moriarity, in Racine in 1970. They married in 1973 and had two sons, Dr. Patrick Donovan and Ryan Donovan. They would have celebrated their 49th Wedding Anniversary September 29.
Everyone who knew Dick loved him. He had a warm smile, friendly handshake, pleasing personality and a generous heart. He was often called the nicest man you ever wanted to meet; there was not a mean bone in his body. He prided himself on dressing well and enjoyed driving sports cars and fine automobiles. He loved traveling, playing cards and playing and watching sports. He was an avid skier and golfer, and an enthusiastic Marquette University basketball fan. He also cheered for and went to many Packer, Braves, Brewers, and University of Wisconsin games.
Dick loved his patients and enjoyed being a Dentist. He and his father worked with some Racine families for more than 42 years.
But above all, he loved his family. His wife and children were extremely special to him. He radiated with great pride when Patrick became a third-generation dentist. He and Pat lovingly attended to Ryan, their special needs son. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren, Wesley and Brianna, grow into wonderful young people. He also enjoyed being part of the lives of his nine siblings. Over the years he mentored and assisted many of them, generously giving his time and resources to those who needed it.
Dick is survived by his wife, Pat; his son Patrick, daughter-in-law Tami, and grandchildren Wesley and Briana of Madison; and his son, Ryan of Madison. He is also survived by seven siblings, Mary Frances Statz of Clearwater, FL; Colleen (Bob) Witt of Noblesville, IN, Dr. Tom (Mary) Donovan of Captiva, FL; Sharon Donovan-Rief of Pewaukee, WI; Patricia (Larry) Wright of Montgomery, TX; Kathleen (Dick) Krainz of Mequon, WI; and Evelyn Sumer of Fayetteville, N.C. Survivors also include sister-in-law Marti Donovan of Madison; brother-in-law Rick (Katrina) Moriarity of Racine; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Stan and Evelyn Donovan; brothers, Dr. Tim Donovan and Dennis Donovan; and brothers-in-law Herb Statz, Jack Rief, Tom Moriarity and Dan Moriarity.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Racine in June for family and friends. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 8, at Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home, 803 Main St.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Blessed Sacrament in Madison on Saturday, July 16 at 11 a.m. The internment of ashes will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Marquette University Dental School Class of 1970 Scholarship Fund or St. Catherine’s High School, Racine.
Contributions
At the family’s request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.
Marquette University Dental School Class of 1970 Scholarship Fund
St. Catherine’s High School
1200 Park Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
