Leo J Donovan, Jr. (80) of Oakton, VA formerly of Boston, Massachusetts, passed away on December 13, 2024, surrounded by family. Loving husband of 57 years to Nancy M (O’Brien) Donovan. Devoted Father of Steven J Donovan and his wife Susan (McLean, VA); David M Donovan and his wife Elizabeth (Centreville, VA); and Lauren E Donovan and her new husband Chris Langgood (Falls Church, VA). Cherished Grandfather of Madeleine C Donovan, Ryan J Dahlseid, Kathleen E Donovan, Amanda M Donovan, Caroline G Donovan, and the late Hope M Donovan.

Leo was predeceased by his parents Leo J Donovan, Sr and Collette B Reddish, his brother, George L Donovan, and his nephew, Michael D Reilly. He is survived by his brother, Paul R Donovan and his wife, Nancy; sisters, Dianne M Reilly and her husband, Tom; Collette R Rajotte and her husband Tom; and his brother George’s wife, Robin W Donovan. Leo was also blessed with a plethora of nieces, nephews and grand-nieces along with many loving extended family members and friends.

Leo was raised in Weymouth, MA. He attended Archbishop Williams High School in Braintree, MA, and graduated in 1961. He attended the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Buzzards Bay and graduated in 1964 as a member of the Naval Reserves. Around the same time, Leo met the love of his life, Nancy. His first job was with the Merchant Marine, where he was at sea for 2 years before signing with General Dynamics as an Engineer to come ashore and start his life with Nancy.

Leo and Nancy married on April 16, 1967, and resided in Roslindale, MA where they welcomed their first child, Steven and Leo completed his MBA from Boston College. In 1971 they moved to Burlington, MA, and Leo began work for a start-up company, Viatron. As the economy suffered, Viatron closed and Leo, ever the optimist, worked for his Uncle Iggy cutting shoe leather. Leo never lost faith in himself and wound up finding the perfect new job by starting a career at Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH). This opportunity brought the family down the East Coast to Gaithersburg, MD for what Leo thought would be a few years. However, Leo quickly rose through the ranks to become a partner at BAH and a “few years” became 30+. During this time David and Lauren were born, and Leo and Nancy bought their forever home in Oakton, VA.

Leo had a very successful career at Booz Allen Hamilton, creating and running their Maritime consulting business. He is, to this day, considered instrumental in the development of ports in Chicago, the Panama Canal, and most notably in Savannah, GA.

Leo was fortunate to be able to retire at the age of 56 and enthusiastically enjoyed his favorite pastimes: golfing, and boating/lobstering aboard his favorite purchase, the Peg o’ My Heart. He and Nancy spent winters in Ft Myers, FL and Leo became what he called “the oldest living altar server” at St Rose of Lima church in Estero. He also served on the Board of Gallows Point in St John, USVI.

Children and Grandchildren visited Leo and Nancy both in Florida and in Marshfield, MA where he enthusiastically joined in ladder golf competitions, card games, and entertained us all with his unique way of playing family Taboo. Leo was also a “fan favorite” at all family weddings where he led many Party Trains and was often found in the middle of the dance floor displaying his unique and infectious dance moves.

Leo was just one of those people that everyone loved. His golf companions describe him as being the epitome of a good sportsman; he was always the gentleman who opened doors and stood at the table when someone got up or came back; and he was the first to compliment the chef or thank someone for hosting an event. Life was just a “great paahty” for him all around.

In the spirit of a great party, a celebration of Life will be planned for Leo in the New Year.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Leo’s memory to either:

World Central Kitchen - https://wck.org/, or Melanoma Research Alliance - https://www.curemelanoma.org/