Wilford "Bill" B. Donovan, III

Wilford B. “Bill” Donovan, III, age 62, of Lancaster, PA, passed away after a brief illness on Saturday, September 8, 2018, with his loving family by his side.

Born in Wilmington, DE, Bill was the son of the late Estelle N. (Neill) and Wilford B. Donovan, Jr. He was a graduate of John Dickinson High School Class of 1974. Bill also graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Political Science and Economics with Honors from the University of Delaware Class of 1978, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. After graduating, Bill began his grocery career by climbing the ranks from the bottom up. After moving all over the country with several grocery retailers through the years, Bill retired in 2015 as an Executive Vice President with AWI after 15 years.

Family was Bill’s number one priority. He would do anything in the world for them. Bill treasured his annual family trip to the beach, where he could kick back and relax with his granddaughters. He was so generous and giving and was known for his creative and thoughtful gifts. Bill will be remembered for his brilliant sense of humor, his sarcasm, his amazing wealth of knowledge and his sentimental spirit.

In his leisure time, Bill was an avid golfer and coin collector. From his love of Jeopardy to his Wednesday night trivia matches at his favorite bar in Lancaster, Bill was quite the unbeatable trivia whiz. He also loved cars, especially his Porsche convertibles.

Bill is survived by his wife of 34 years, Sue A. (Van Dyck) Donovan; his daughter, Katie P. Devlin (Christopher); his granddaughters, Mia and Keira Devlin; his twin brother, David A. Donovan (Gerald M. Brady); his sister, Charlotte D. Kabaci (John Kabaci, III); his nephew, John Kabaci, IV; his mother-in-law, Fay Cruchley and his father-in-law, Phil Cruchley. He is also survived by his beloved puppy, Tippi.

Family and friends may visit from 10 to 11:30 AM on Monday, September 17 at Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Rd., Wilmington, DE 19808, where a Celebration of Bill’s Life will begin at 11:30 AM. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, as Bill loved to cheer on Mia and Keira at their swim meets, memorial contributions may be made to the WAC Backers, c/o Wilmington Aquatic Club Swim Team, 212 W. Grant Ave., New Castle, DE 19720.

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