Robert Michael Donovan (November 05, 1947 - July 06, 2023)

In loving memory of
Robert Michael Donovan
  • November 05, 1947
  • -
  • July 06, 2023

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Obituary

Robert Michael Donovan

AKA – Shecky

Mount Dora,Florida
Born in Jersey City, Mike attended Jersey City State College (BA) and New York University (MA).  He began his career at Glassboro State College which became Rowan University, and retired after 45 years in 2018 as Professor of the History and Business of Television.
During his tenure, he established the Radio/TV/Film program, assisted in growing the WGLS radio station to an award winning college station, and served as Director of Marketing for the National Association of Television Programming Executives.
Mike was appointed the Educational Director of The Charles and Lucille King Family Foundation, and went on to serve as The Endowed Chair of the King Foundation at Rowan.
He is survived by his loving wife Ann (Shoemaker) Donovan , sister Barbara (Donovan)Rose (Staten Island, NY), brother Patrick and sister-in-law Maureen (Ryan) Donovan (Jim Thorpe Pa.)and loving nieces ,nephews and step children.
In lieu of flowers, he requested donations be made to the ASPCA or North Shore Animal League.
A Celebration of Life will be announced in the future.
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Tribute Wall

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  1. Stephanie (Chalk) Scanlon says:
    02 Jan 2024
    I just learned of Mike's death and am so saddened. I took him for several communications courses, beginning in '74 when he was a new and very young professor. He was one of my two favorite profs of all time. I loved his casual, off-beat teaching style. I learned so much, but his lectures felt so much more like casual conversations. I still remember much of what he taught regarding communications, but even more so about looking at life and the world from a different perspective. I will remember him as entertaining, warm and thoroughly likeable. He was my favorite hippie-dippy professor!

  2. Sharon lit a candle:
    27 Dec 2023
    Lit since December 27, 2023 at 12:31:01 AM

  3. Edward Hanrahan says:
    06 Nov 2023
    So sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He was best man at my wedding. We went to HS together and had a musical connection. Been out of touch for many years, R.I.P.

  4. Colin says:
    07 Oct 2023
    Mike Donovan's TV history class was a highlight of my semester, and he always had cookies for my Seeing Eye pup. Sorry to hear of his passing.

  5. Jo-Ann Rand lit a candle:
    03 Oct 2023
    Lit since October 3, 2023 at 10:14:46 AM

  6. Mary Gifford lit a candle:
    02 Aug 2023
    Lit since August 2, 2023 at 8:15:00 AM

  7. Ellen Jones lit a candle:
    28 Jul 2023
    Lit since July 28, 2023 at 7:53:03 PM

  8. Michael Taylor says:
    20 Jul 2023
    Michael was a force of nature that will be so so so missed. He made so very many of my BEA convention trips so well worth the personal funds that I expended. He leaves a massive hole in my heart.

  9. Greg Smalley lit a candle:
    19 Jul 2023
    Lit since July 19, 2023 at 7:25:22 PM

  10. Greg Smalley posted an image:
    19 Jul 2023
    A cropped version of the group photo, isolating Mike performing. I used this image for my phone contact list and email, and brings a smile every time I see it.
    A cropped version of the group photo, isolating Mike performing. I used this image for my phone contact list and email, and brings a smile every time I see it.

  11. Greg Smalley posted an image:
    19 Jul 2023
    A news clipping from 1970 that provides a brief update and overview of the Catchers of Wry. The resolution of the picture is not very good, but provides a good sense of the pure joy Mike brought to performing.
    A news clipping from 1970 that provides a brief update and overview of the Catchers of Wry. The resolution of the picture is not very good, but provides a good sense of the pure joy Mike brought to performing.

  12. Greg Smalley posted an image:
    19 Jul 2023
    The Catchers of Wry performing at The Thirsty Ear Coffeehouse in Morristown, NJ, circa 1969. Left to right: John Huemer, Marty Altner, Mike Donovan, Greg Smalley.
    The Catchers of Wry performing at The Thirsty Ear Coffeehouse in Morristown, NJ, circa 1969. Left to right: John Huemer, Marty Altner, Mike Donovan, Greg Smalley.

  13. Greg Smalley says:
    19 Jul 2023
    I met Mike when I joined a performing group named "The Catchers of Wry" where he was a very talented 12-string guitarist as well as a gifted vocalist. At that time he was a student at Jersey City State College. There were two additional vocalists, and I backed the group on electric bass. Mike's rapier wit and wet-your-pants sense of humor was infectious, and he had a true heart of gold. The group performed in the late sixties and early seventies, and then we all went our separate ways. I was extremely fortunate to reunite with Mike several years ago, share some great memories, and to meet Ann, his guardian angel. I feel Mike's passing very deeply, and the world has lost a truly shining star.

  14. Ned Eckhardt says:
    14 Jul 2023
    A singular man who helped hundreds of students, colleagues, and friends better understand the media world around them. Along the way he always mixed in laughter and insight. His legacy at Rowan is huge. His legacy as a friend remarkable.

  15. Joy Cypher says:
    13 Jul 2023
    Mike was a one man show of smarts, wit, and when no one was looking--a big heart. I never walked away from a conversation with Mike without laughing. He was a warm and enthusiastic colleague and a well loved professor. Godspeed Mike, and thanks for everything.

  16. Kelly Young says:
    13 Jul 2023
    Professor Donovan was the BEST! He radiated JOY and engaged his students with his wit and cheerful soul. His spirit will live on at Rowan University.

  17. Cathy Rodriguez lit a candle:
    12 Jul 2023
    Lit since July 12, 2023 at 7:35:44 PM

  18. Eric Lorentzen lit a candle:
    12 Jul 2023
    Lit since July 12, 2023 at 7:28:24 AM

  19. Alan Albarran lit a candle:
    11 Jul 2023
    Lit since July 11, 2023 at 7:56:09 PM

  20. Michael Taylor lit a candle:
    11 Jul 2023
    Lit since July 11, 2023 at 7:37:41 PM

  21. Greg Pitts lit a candle:
    11 Jul 2023
    Lit since July 11, 2023 at 7:20:08 PM

  22. James Rada says:
    11 Jul 2023
    My first full-time teaching gig was at Rowan in the late 90's. Because of our class schedule, as well as the fact we were both early risers, Mike and I were usually the first ones in the building. I so enjoyed our early-morning conversations over coffee that we each brought in our respective thermoses. I appreciated his mentorship. More than that, I appreciated his friendship. As many others have noted, he had a big and generous heart. The world is a better place because he was in it.

  23. Carol DeSantis says:
    10 Jul 2023
    Heart of Gold! You lit up the sky. You lit up a lot of lives. Let the white dove sing! Godspeed ❣️

  24. Carol DeSantis lit a candle:
    10 Jul 2023
    Lit since July 10, 2023 at 7:24:42 PM

  25. Guy Mallarino says:
    10 Jul 2023
    RIP You we’re a great influence on me

  26. Blaine Orlik lit a candle:
    10 Jul 2023
    Lit since July 10, 2023 at 7:12:38 PM

  27. Jennifer Meadows lit a candle:
    10 Jul 2023
    Lit since July 10, 2023 at 7:08:15 AM

  28. Heather Birks lit a candle:
    10 Jul 2023
    Lit since July 10, 2023 at 7:19:52 AM

  29. Antoinette Libro lit a candle:
    10 Jul 2023
    Lit since July 10, 2023 at 7:40:36 AM

  30. Toni Libro lit a candle:
    10 Jul 2023
    Lit since July 10, 2023 at 7:38:19 AM

  31. Ed and Linda Streb lit a candle:
    10 Jul 2023
    Lit since July 10, 2023 at 7:13:56 AM

  32. Marianne B. says:
    09 Jul 2023
    Light a candle

  33. Pete Orlik says:
    09 Jul 2023
    In tribute to Mike Donovan, a stellar teacher, who bought laughter and sardonic warmth to every occasion and situation. He cared deeply about this students and his profession and made continuous and multifaceted contributions to broadcast education. He will be sorely missed as a colleague and irreplaceable buddy. Mike always picked up your spirits and deepened your knowledge about media and music.

  34. Pete Orlik lit a candle:
    09 Jul 2023
    Lit since July 9, 2023 at 7:28:18 PM

  35. B F lit a candle:
    09 Jul 2023
    Lit since July 9, 2023 at 7:11:09 PM

  36. B F lit a candle:
    09 Jul 2023
    Lit since July 9, 2023 at 7:10:26 PM

  37. Roger & Terry lit a candle:
    09 Jul 2023
    Lit since July 9, 2023 at 7:18:50 PM

  38. Roger & Terry lit a candle:
    09 Jul 2023
    Lit since July 9, 2023 at 7:17:39 PM

  39. Alicia and Adam lit a candle:
    09 Jul 2023
    Lit since July 9, 2023 at 7:47:48 PM

  40. Bill & Ellen O'Keefe lit a candle:
    09 Jul 2023
    Lit since July 9, 2023 at 7:39:05 PM

  41. Bill & Ellen O'Keefe lit a candle:
    09 Jul 2023
    Lit since July 9, 2023 at 7:37:49 PM

  42. John & Colleen Sadak lit a candle:
    09 Jul 2023
    Lit since July 9, 2023 at 7:29:23 PM

  43. Louanna Sills lit a candle:
    09 Jul 2023
    Lit since July 9, 2023 at 7:21:42 PM

  44. Louanna Sills says:
    09 Jul 2023
    Here’s to you, Mike Donovan not for all your mighty accomplishments but for your heart and sense of humor that got us through the last 2 years of high school. Even then, you inspired fellow classmates to try new avenues of expression and aided our successes, a glimpse into what your future would hold. I am so lucky to have met you back in 1964 and known you for the last 54 years. You will always be missed. To Ann, my empathy and love are always with you! Louanna Jagen Sills

  45. Frank & Alisa Hogan says:
    09 Jul 2023
    Who started out as a professor (Alisa) and some dude met in the parking lot of Collegetowne Shopping Center for radio work (Frank), turned into a very dear friend. Come to think of it, it’s probably Mike’s fault we are together (Donovan-humor)! His unique repartee, uncanny wit and spot-on Donovan-Show delivery came from incredible mastery of the world around us - as it could be related to music or a TV show, of course. A truly caring and genuine man. RIP cherished crony ❤️

  46. John parinello lit a candle:
    09 Jul 2023
    Lit since July 9, 2023 at 7:13:56 PM

  47. Rich Gander lit a candle:
    09 Jul 2023
    Lit since July 9, 2023 at 7:57:03 PM

  48. Frank & Alisa Hogan lit a candle:
    09 Jul 2023
    Lit since July 9, 2023 at 7:57:00 PM

  49. Bob lit a candle:
    09 Jul 2023
    Lit since July 9, 2023 at 7:56:05 PM

  50. Fran lit a candle:
    09 Jul 2023
    Lit since July 9, 2023 at 7:54:46 PM

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