Gregory Allen Donovan

Gregory Allen Donovan of Lithopolis, Ohio, age 75, passed away unexpectedly on January 12, 2023 at his business in Columbus, Ohio.

Greg was born June 7, 1947 in Elyria, Ohio to the late Cecil and Helen (Molich) Donovan. A hard working, vivacious fellow from the start, in his youth Greg worked at the Ford Motor plant (where he raced his GTO against the new Mustangs coming off the line) and played guitar in the Jesters, a band he formed with his school friends – even cutting a vinyl 45!
After graduating from Elyria High School (1965), he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving for his country proudly from 1966 to 1970 as an E-4 Sergeant and Auto Flight Control Specialist. He was attached to the 331st Training Squadron, 481st Tactical Fighter Squadron, 636 Combat Support Group, 405th Fighter Wing, and 64th Fighter-Interceptor “PE”. His numerous military accolades include: National Defense Service Medal, Outstanding Airman Award, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal.

Upon his return to civilian life, he attended Lorain County Community College before moving to Columbus to open his precision machining businesses, Assembly Machining & Wire and Donco Machined Products, producing precision parts for nearly 50 years, with his expertise prized among his peers.

Extremely proud of his family, Greg enjoyed being surrounded by loved ones and friends, who were all touched by his warmth and kindness. An avid Lake Erie fisherman, he made a second home in Port Clinton, OH, creating a multi-generational love of this place for his family and friends, as well as a warm network of friends at the Lake Front Yacht Club and other local watering holes. He was a wonderful dancer in many styles, having studied at Arthur Murray as a boy and dancing his and his dance partners’ socks right off until the very end of his life. He was a loving husband, proud father, overjoyed grandfather, and an incredibly generous friend.

In addition to his parents, Greg is preceded in death by his brother, Jeffrey Donovan and brother-in-law, Keith McCann.

He is survived by his wife of 9 wonderful years, Kate Donovan; beautiful children: Erin (Béatrice) Donovan, Brian (Natalie) Donovan, Brianne (Brett) Stone, and step-son, Tracy Triplett; loving grandchildren: Silas and Liam Donovan and Kaylee and Jackson Stone; sisters: Cyndy McCann and Amy (Kyle) Giunta; nieces and nephew: Kate Brancheau, Nick (Lauren) Giunta, and Hannah Giunta; former wife, Kathleen Donovan; along with various sisters- and brothers-in-law.

Friends are welcome to visit Saturday, January 21, 2023 from 11-1 PM at DWAYNE R. SPENCE FUNERAL HOME, CANAL WINCHESTER, OHIO. A funeral service will follow at 1 PM with the subsequent burial at Franklin Hills Memorial Garden.