08/21/2026
In Loving Memory of Eric Brent Donovan Raleigh, North Carolina Died: May 29, 2026
Eric left his earthly home on a Friday to begin his journey to be with his Maker in Heaven. His devoted wife, Carol, will miss him terribly but knows she will be reunited with him one day.
He was 76 years old having been born in Washington, D.C. to his parents Ellsworth and Dorothy Donovan. There were four Dovovan brothers Greg, now deceased, Eric, Kent, and Don. Those who will also miss him are his brothers' wives: Kyle, Jennifer, and Connie. Rounding out his family ties are nephew, Evan and wife Sarah Donovan and nieces Anna Addcox, Ely Gordan and husband Matt, Jill and Erik Leist, along with Kate and Elvin Kristian. Also remembered are great nephew, Aiden and great niece Gemma Donovan. The Gordon girls, Kara, Nora, and Rose join the young nieces along with Zoey and Else. And not forgotten is his first great niece Lily and great nephew James Addcox.
He is a product of the Fairfax County, Virginia public schools and a graduate from the University of Illinois, earning a B.A in Liberal Arts and Sciences. Rounding out his professional education was the University of Wyoming where he earned a Juris Doctor degree.
The greater part of his works experience was with the federal government at the Office of Personnel Management in the Department of Justice, Civilian division where he was the COTR, contracting officer technical representative tending to a couple hundred cases a year. He collected data for documents to be used in trials for significant cases. These documents were instrumental in supporting trial lawyers as they were arguing their cases in the U.S. courts. Among some of them were asbestos litigation as well as the break up of the AT&T monopoly, and he set up the communication satellite, Exxon Valdes, which enabled attorneys in Alaska to have access to all records assessed. All of these offered a great service to our country.
Eric loved animals and had a heart for those in need as evidenced by his volunteering at the local veterinary medicine clinic in his town and was a member of the Friends of the Zoo in D.C. He donated children's books to the local branch of the county library and gave so many books to his nieces. His sister in law remarked that he gave lovely children's books to her girls and that they are now being read to grandchildren so they were the gift that keeps on giving even now. His little notes written inside will be treasured even more.
His nephew remembers reading Uncle Scrooge comics in his library and the books he gave him for Christmas sparked his imagination. He further stated he will miss his enthusiasm, his sense of humor, and his love for animals - both real and fantastical.
Eric worshipped at Trinity Baptist Church with his wife, Carol, and attended Sunday School class together. His teacher remarked that she has admiration for him and his engagement in the lessons. He made very insightful and knowledgeable contributions in regard to the lesson being studied together with such a witty sense of humor at times which was so engaging.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. The service will be held at Trinity Baptist Church, located at 4815 Six Forks Rd., Raleigh, NC 27609.
We appreciate the care given to Eric in his last days by the wonderful people at Hospice. If you'd like to honor Eric in some meaningful way, contributions to the local Hospice would be wonderful. You can contribute in his memory to Transitions Grief Care on 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.
As a fitting conclusion, I offer some of Eric's last spoken words to his diligent care giver of five years, Myron..."Thank you. You take such good care of me."
Carol and the family agree and feel that Eric's life here on Earth had been extended due to Myron's care. A simple thank you hardly seems enough owed to this wonderful gift.
Online Obituary: https://share.google/G6iOyozPxi4UZb9K8
