KENNEBUNKPORT

Ronald P. Donovan, 82, of Kennebunkport, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at his home surrounded by family.
Born in Biddeford on April 25, 1935, the son of Carroll and Evelyn “Peg” (Lavigne) Donovan, he was a graduate of St. Francis High School and College of the Holy Cross, Worcester Massachusetts.
As a young boy he discovered his passion for the Ocean by lobstering at Biddeford Pool. Upon graduation from Holy Cross, he worked in the marine insurance industry and served in the Army National Guard. Later, he returned to Maine to join the family business, Donovan Food Services. He went on to establish Lemon Tree Caterers.
Ron was a Rotarian and served for many years as a Trustee of Biddeford Savings Bank, and as a Director of Southern Maine Medical Center. He also served proudly as a Commodore of the Arundel Yacht Club and volunteered at a Kennebunk food bank.
He enjoyed boating (including a transatlantic crossing on a private yacht), traveling the world with his wife, and being surrounded by his extended family. He enjoyed reminiscing about the past and was often the ringleader of shenanigans and antics that would lead to tall tales to be told, and retold, thereafter.
Ron was predeceased by his Father, Carroll, Mother Evelyn (“Peg”), Sister Susan and Brothers Peter and Timothy.
He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Lucille M. Donovan, and by four sons, Jeff, Scott, Brian (and his wife Lisa), Mark (“Bucky”) (and his wife Michelle); Stepchildren, Susan Ayer (and her husband, Gordon), Jonathan Whelpley, and Keith Whelpley (and his wife, Karen); 7 Grandchildren, Jeffrey, Ashley, Jessica, Sierra, Chelsea, Noah and Walker, 6 Great-Grandchildren, 7 Step-Grandchildren, Colin and Schuyler Ayer, Jon, Jared, Nicholas, Steven, and Else Whelpley; and 6 Step-Great-Grandchildren, and a nephew and niece, Adrien and Tess Fiser.
A private service will be held.
While Ron will be missed as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, all are at peace knowing that he has been raised to a better place, where fair winds and following seas abound.

Arrangements are entrusted to Bibber Memorial Chapel, Kennebunk.