Austin, July 30, 2025
News Summary
John Copley Donovan, a beloved member of the Austin community, passed away peacefully at the age of 89. Known for his integrity and adventurous spirit, John’s legacy lives on through his family and friends. His military service, career at IBM, and passion for sailing and travel were integral parts of his life. A visitation will be held with family in August, along with a memorial service celebrating his life.
Austin, Texas – John Copley Donovan, a prominent member of the Austin community, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2025, having lived to the age of 89. His death coincided with the 61st wedding anniversary to his beloved wife, Anne Peterson Donovan. John was known for his integrity, quick wit, and deep love for family and friends, and his passing marks the loss of a cherished husband, father, and friend.
Born on January 27, 1936, in Kirksville, Missouri, John moved to Austin at the young age of three. Throughout his life, he spent an impressive 86 years in the Capital City. John’s passion for sailing started as a teenager, when he built his own sailboat and taught himself the sport. He became an accomplished sailor, racing Thistles on Lake Travis and teaching his sons to navigate the waters. His adventurous spirit also led him to craft water skis, which he used to introduce his sons to slalom skiing.
John graduated from Austin High School in 1954 and went on to attend the University of Texas, where he graduated in 1962. During his college years, he was actively involved in the Sigma Chi fraternity, serving as the social chairman. It was at the university where he met Anne Peterson through a blind date, leading to their marriage on July 25, 1964.
His military service as an electronic countermeasures officer in the U.S. Navy was a significant aspect of his life. John flew in the A-1D Skyraider aboard the USS Essex, sharing many remarkable stories from his tours that took him across various regions, including the Mediterranean, the Suez Canal, and destinations like the Philippines, Cape Town, and Rio de Janeiro. After his service, he was stationed in Rhode Island and continued to serve his country with pride.
John’s career spanned over 25 years at IBM, where he worked as a systems engineer. A passionate aviator, he obtained his Private, Instrument, and Commercial pilot ratings, enjoying countless flights in his Cessna 172 with friends and family.
In his later years, John and Anne acquired a family ranch near Copperas Cove, which provided a retreat for family enjoyment. His love for travel was evident as they explored numerous destinations together, including trips to Canada, Costa Rica, Ecuador, New Zealand, and Scandinavia. Additionally, John took great pleasure in bird watching, finding tranquility in nature.
John is survived by his devoted wife, Anne, and their three sons: John Peterson Donovan, married to Jacy Cowan and father to Harrison, Hudson, and Hayes; Peter Lee Donovan, married to Abigail Bird and the father of Clara and Helena; and Michael Harry Donovan, married to Dee Wallace and the father of Jane and Harry. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nell Copley and John Bernard Donovan.
A visitation with family will take place on Tuesday, August 5th, from 5-7 p.m. at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, located at 5416 Parkcrest Drive, Austin. A private family burial is scheduled to proceed a memorial service on Wednesday, August 6th, at 2:00 PM at Tarrytown United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Hospice Austin, or to any charity of your choice.
FAQ
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What was John Copley Donovan’s age at the time of death?
John Copley Donovan was 89 years old when he passed away.
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When did John Copley Donovan pass away?
John passed away on July 25, 2025.
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Who survives John Copley Donovan?
He is survived by his wife, Anne, and their three sons, along with their families.
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Where will John Copley Donovan’s memorial service be held?
The memorial service will be held at Tarrytown United Methodist Church on August 6th, 2025.
Key Features of John Copley Donovan’s Life
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | January 27, 1936 |
| Death Date | July 25, 2025 |
| Marriage Date | July 25, 1964 |
| Education | Austin High School, University of Texas |
| Military Service | U.S. Navy (Electronic Countermeasures Officer) |
| Career | Systems Engineer at IBM |
| Hobbies | Sailing, flying, travel, bird watching |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: John Donovan Obituary
- Wikipedia: Austin, Texas
- Dignity Memorial: John Copley Donovan’s Life
- Google Search: John Copley Donovan
- Dignity Memorial: Memorial Service Details
- Google Scholar: John Copley Donovan
- Dignity Memorial: Family and Survivors
- Encyclopedia Britannica: John Copley Donovan
- Dignity Memorial: Hobbies and Interests
- Google News: John Copley Donovan
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
