Shrewsbury – Donald P. Govoni Sr 87, a longtime Shrewsbury resident, passed away peacefully Thursday, June 19, 2014, surrounded by family, after a period of declining health.
Donald was born in Worcester, a son of Italian immigrants Paul and Bradamante (Consolini) Govoni. He graduated from Worcester Boys trade and joined the U.S. Army during World War II, serving his country proudly in the South Pacific and Philippines.
Upon his return to Worcester, he met and in 1949 married Bernadette A. Walsh. Together they settled in Shrewsbury to raise their seven sons happily there and in Dennis for the next 50 years when Bernadette passed away.
Upon his return from military service, Donald joined the family business, Govoni and Sons Construction Company, along with his father Paul and brother Henry. He lived in Shrewsbury most of his life, wintered in Marco Island, Fla., and spent summers in Dennis before living there permanently in 2001.
He is survived by his five sons, Thomas S. Govoni and his wife Janice, Joseph S. Govoni and his wife Heidi, Paul A. Govoni and his wife MaryJo, all of Yarmouthport, Andrew F. Govoni and his wife Lisa, and Bernard W. Govoni and his wife AnnMarie, all of Shrewsbury; a daughter-in-law, Barbara A. Govoni of West Harwich; two brothers, Henry A. Govoni of Shrewsbury and Paul A. Govoni of Auburn; 17 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces nephews extended family and friends. He was predeceased by two sons, James E. Govoni in 1975 and Donald P. Govoni Jr. in 2010; a great-grandson- Thomas A. Marshall in 2008; and a sister, Laura C. Litsas.
Donald was a former member of St. Anne's Church, and the UNICO club of Worcester. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, travel, and biking.
While his sons were young, He was an active member and coach of the Shrewsbury Little League, National Division. He most of all loved and dedicated his life to family. His wife, seven sons, and grandchildren were his inspiration in life. Nothing made him happier than being around them at family gatherings on the Cape, holidays on Marco Island, or the special moments when all the family was together.
His funeral was held June 23 from the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, with a Mass at St. Anne's Church. Burial with Military Honors next to his wife followed in Mountain View Cemetery.
