Randy Bayliss
Bill was a mentor to me for my entire career at JP Stevens. Was always a man of integrity who enjoyed the respect of all in our industry. Loved his golf and those outings with clients. Prayer for him, Joan and his family.
Death date: Feb 14, 2026
William “Bill” Joseph Donovan, age 85, of Gainesville Florida, passed away on February 14, 2026. Bill was born on October 26, 1940, to William and Catherine Donovan in Woodside, Queens. He moved to Rockville Centre, Long Island, w Read Obituary
Bill was a mentor to me for my entire career at JP Stevens. Was always a man of integrity who enjoyed the respect of all in our industry. Loved his golf and those outings with clients. Prayer for him, Joan and his family.
Over fifty years ago I had the good fortune to meet Bill through business and we became life long friends.And through the course of this friendship got to know his amazing family. I enjoyed everything about him.. always upbeat and his infectious laugh were unforgettable. If the world had more Bill Donavan's the world would be a much better place. Rest in Peace in my friend. Kenny
I pray that the wonderful memories crowd the grief and our faith reassures Bill's beautiful wife, Joan, and family. Others have written and I wholeheartedly agree, Bill Donovan lighted up every room he entered and brightened our Church. His family is a living testament to the joy and love for life he cultivated.
Fr. Jeff McGowan
I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Donovan while I was at Providence College alongside Billy. Mr. D always had a smile on his face, and his personality was truly infectious. He carried himself with warmth, pride, and a quiet strength that you could feel whenever you were around him.
My heart goes out to Billy, Chrissy, and the entire Donovan family during this difficult time. Mr. Donovan’s legacy lives on through the character, leadership, and love he instilled in his family. Sending my deepest condolences and prayers.
Delray Brooks
I had the privilege of working for Bill at JP Steven’s for many years. My thoughts and prayers to his family.
Bill was a contemporary of mine at J.P. Stevens throughout our careers. He in NYC and I in Greensboro and later Greenville. A finer more upstanding businessman and colleague I never knew. As will his family, the world will miss this man of great integrity!
Bill was a wonderful person. One of the really good guys. I knew him when he was at JP Steven’s. I was a salesman at one of his fiber suppliers. Bill was always a gentleman and treated everyone with respect. Bill touched a lot of lives and we are all the better for it.🙏
Doug Noble
Charlotte, NC
I knew Bill and Joan from high school and Bill where my husband, Jim Lennon was his coach. I remember his parents, who were at every game. We were neighbors and our children grew up together..My son and young Billy were classmates. We remained friends over the years and kept in touch.
I remember calling and he would always answer the phone " DEANNA" so good to hear from you. He made everyone feel Special. Deepest condolences to Joan,Billy, Susan and Karen and their families.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. He was a wonderful person and will be sorely missed.
Love, Deanna
My family and I met Billy’s parents in the 90’s when Christine & Billy were our neighbors in Hartland, Lexington, Kentucky. It was over a pot of my homemade soup that Bill Sr & Joan ate 2 helpings in our kitchen. I loved that Christine and her family and Billy Jr’s family were always the same wonderful people regardless of any environment you happened to be joining one another. From UK, Marshal, Florida etc. I so appreciate our Love of Christ we still share. Billy’s parents live that as does Christine’s. Some games I think Mr. Donovan got more air time when he was on the Gator bench with Son, head basketball coach for University of Florida; Billy Donovan. His dad road the wave of Billy Ball to NCAA Champions Coach Donovan’s team won in his first 2 years in Gainesville. I extend my most sincere and deepest sympathy with constant prayers to Joan & family, Billy, Christine and family! William Joseph Donovan just began living his Eternal life in God’s Heaven, his true Home, with his True Father. He For that, “Praise The Lord.” I thank God for the blessings this entire Family gives this world. Peace Be with you in these tenderest of times. Judy Chappell Papania 🛐🩵🕊️️
I met Bill in mid 60's when he worked with JP Stevens and was good friends with Kevin Donohue. We shared many lunches together when I also worked in NYC. I always enjoyed his company and he was a wonderful man.
My prayers are with his family. Jimmy Waldron( from The Bronx).