Jerry Donovan

Jerry Delano Donovan, 87, of Durand passed away Thursday, June 25, 2020, in Rockford. He was born June 7, 1933, in Rockford, the son of William Jacob and Eva Marie (Bird) Donovan. Jerry was the youngest of eight children. His mother died when Jerry was an infant and he was placed in St Joseph's Orphanage in Freeport with his other siblings. Jerry left the orphanage at the age of 15, then joined the Army at 17 and served his country for 20 years, retiring in 1970. Jerry earned the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and a Purple Heart. His most proud moments were being a paratrooper earning him his Jump Wings and pulling 13 wounded men to safety during a battle in Vietnam. Jerry was a very generous man who gave away anything and everything he ever had to anyone who needed something. He was a faithful Catholic and spent much time going to Mass and the Sacraments. He used much of his free time making rosaries that were given away throughout the world. A conservative estimate would be that he made tens of thousands of rosaries! Survivors include sons, Paul and Jerry; several grandchildren; sister, Ethel Hill; numerous nieces and nephews; longtime friend and caregiver, Allen and Erma Nipper. Predeceased by his parents; sons, Jeffrey and Phillip; and siblings, Jack Donovan, Mary Donovan, Betty Stine, Marjorie Coleman, Norma LaPier, and Roger Donovan.

Memorial Mass will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 25, 2020, in St. Edward's Catholic Church, 3004 11th Street, Rockford. Masks are required. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established. Arrangements by Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park.