MEDDYBEMPS – Philip Joseph Donovan, 93, passed away Thursday, July 28, 2011, with his family by his side. Philip was born March 19, 1918, in Calais, son of the late Joseph and Gertrude (Colford) Donovan.
He graduated from high school in Lewiston and worked for several years in the shoe factories in Lewiston before coming back to Calais. Philip entered the U.S. Army and served in Southern France, Rhineland and Central Europe during World War II. After the war, he returned home and met the love of his life, Edna Stanhope. They were married May 3, 1946. Philip was employed as a mechanic and tractor-trailer driver until his retirement in 1993. He was a Communicant of Immaculate Conception R.C. Church, Calais, a member of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 149, St. Croix Bowling Club and was a past commander of Sherman Bros. Post No. 3 American Legion. Philip enjoyed puttering around the yard, fishing and visiting with his many friends.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a daughter, Linda Ross; his brother, Karl Donovan; and a nephew, Peter Donovan. Surviving are his loving wife of 65 years, Edna Donovan; his daughter Melva Long of Alexander; two grandchildren, Lee Roderick and his wife, Marilyn, of Meddybemps and Jessica Melhiser of Calais; four great-grandchildren, Mallory and Alex Roderick and Ashley and Ryan Melhiser; son-in-law, John Ross of Guntersville, Ala.; sister-in-law, Marion Lagel of South Windsor, Conn.; four nephews, Wayne, David, Gregory and Louis Donovan; many cousins and dear friends.
Visiting hours will be held 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday, July 31, at Mays Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Calais. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Monday at Immaculate Conception R.C. Church, Calais Avenue, Calais, by Father James Plourde. Burial will be afterward at Calais Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be shared at
www.maysfuneralhome.com.