Mark Donovan

Mark Donovan, the beloved husband of Katie (Fernandez) Donovan, slipped free of Parkinson’s disease on October 28, 2026, at the age of 72. He was predeceased by his parents Elizabeth (Betty) and Charles, and siblings Brian, Maryann, and twin brothers Chris and Kevin. 

Mark grew up in West Newton, the sixth of 12 close-knit children. He had a happy childhood playing baseball, hockey, and soccer, and making mischief with his fun-loving siblings. After graduating from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, he worked as a senior operations executive in the technology sector, beginning his career at Raytheon and transitioning to corporate software leadership at Davox Corporation, Concerto Software, and Kronos Incorporated. 

Mark was a people person who enjoyed a good Irish wake and catching a game with friends at Paddy’s Pub. He formed lifelong friendships with those he met in childhood, college, and work. In 1992, he married his childhood friend Katie Fernandez, and together they raised Katie’s two young children Peter (Sabrina De Paula) and Sarah (Chris Henry) in Newton. The family spent most of their summers in Chatham, MA, where Mark lovingly renovated the family vacation home and designed and tended its flower-filled garden. When he wasn’t grilling dinners for family gatherings, he and his friend Gerry Murphy were zooming around Boston Harbor and Pleasant Bay on their boat the Connie Kate, “fishing”, not catching much but always having fun. 

With the arrival of Sarah and Chris’s four children—June, Billy, Tom, and Greta—Mark became a loving mentor and grandpa. Known for his Irish wit (as quick as his temper!) and love of telling stories, he thoroughly enjoyed the many family gatherings in Newton, Michigan, and on the Cape. Even as he lost his hearing, he remained an engaged participant in any party. 

He leaves his siblings Charlie (Kathleen), Tom (Trish, deceased), Beth (Pat Burns), Steven (Patsy), Phil (Sally Klingel), Meg (Bryan), and Priscilla (Rick); and in-laws Karen (Brian), Robert (Marianne), Karen (Chris), and Sue (Kevin); Katie’s sisters, with whom he was close: Christine (Rodrigo), Sarah (Brian), Betsy (George), and Martha (Dan); his Broderick cousins, his 26 nieces and nephews and their families; and many friends. 

To share memories, please visit Burke Funeral Home. 

A celebration of Mark’s life will be held at the at the United Parish of Auburndale, 64 Hancock Street, Newton, MA 02466, on November 13 at 11 am, followed by a reception in the church’s function hall. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mark’s memory may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research