Michael E. O'Donovan

PORTLAND - Michael E. O'Donovan, 63, of North Fort Myers, Florida and Portland, died unexpectedly August 28, 2011 at his home. Michael was born on December 12, 1947 in Portland to E. Marie (Hansen) O'Donovan and Timothy J. O'Donovan, Sr., both of whom predeceased him. He was a graduate of Portland High School, Class of 1966. After high school, Michael entered the U.S. Coast Guard and from there the U.S. Postal Service. He was fortunate enough to retire early after 31 years of service. He then enjoyed a wonderful retirement, with a rich and active social life in North Fort Myers, Florida, to the envy of many. Michael lived in Falmouth most of his adult life, after summering there as a child. He was most happy on the waters of Casco Bay. He shared his love of the water with many a friend from Maine to Florida. His social circle was vast and deeply invested in devoted friends and cherished family. All, regardless of age, knew him fondly as "Uncle Mike." He was larger than life to his much-loved nieces and nephews. Many times they sought him out for his wisdom, guidance and, of course, the fun of simply being with him. He was truly fortunate and his life force blessed all those around him. Uncle Mike was predeceased by two brothers, Peter E. and Timothy J., the latter on July 22, 2011. He is survived by his sister, Marie (Ree Ree) Manganello and her husband, Ed, of Falmouth, their children, Ed Manganello, his wife, Betsy, and son, Sam, of Falmouth, Carla Manganello, her husband, Jeffrey Allen, and their sons, Sean and Max, of Cumberland, Nicola Manganello, and her daughter, Maeve Oliver, of Falmouth: sister-in-law, Charlotte (Hurley) O'Donovan, of Falmouth, and her children, Timothy P. O'Donovan, his wife, Wendi-Sue, and their sons, Ryan and Michael, of Falmouth, Dennis O'Donovan, his wife, Anne, and their daughters, Meghan and Erin, of Cumberland, Kevin O'Donovan, his wife, Rita, and their children, Casey and Isabella, of Cape Elizabeth, Maureen (O'Donovan) Barr, her husband, Greg, and their daughters, Abby and Mayle, of Naperville, Illinois; brother Peter's children, Kelly (O'Donovan) Allen, and her children Heath and Brittney, of East Waterboro, and Peter O'Donovan, his wife, Lisa, and son, Tyler, of Lebanon. Mike also left many godchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Martyrs Church in Falmouth on Friday, September 2nd, at 11 a.m. Interment will be private. A celebration of Uncle Mike's life will be held at the home of Ed and Ree Ree Manganello following the funeral Mass, from noon to 7 p.m. Arrangements are under the care of Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Homes Cremation Services, 172 State Street, Portland, Maine. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Autism Society, 72B Main Street, Winthrop, Maine 04364. Online Condolences for Michael O'Donovan