Mark Sweeten Donovan

Mark Sweeten Donovan was born August 1, 1947, in Wilmington Delaware. His love of music and performance started with percussion lessons in elementary school. He played all through school, playing in big bands such as Sammy Kaye, Tex Beneke, Artie Shaw and Tommy Dorsey's revival bands, symphony orchestras, jazz clubs, and rock bands throughout most of his life. Mark went on to major in Music Education at Shenandoah Conservatory of Music. He met his future wife and best friend, Sue, while in college. They married in 1970 shortly after graduation. Together they had three beautiful children. Their home was filled with singing and music. Mark was an elementary and middle school band director in Delaware for 35 years. He and Sue moved to Florida after retirement for fun in the sun. While in Florida Mark developed a passion for wood working and built many beautiful pieces of furniture, cutting boards and wine wracks for friends and family. Mark is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sue, his three children, Julia Simmons (husband Al), Beth Lehman (husband Austin) and Kenny Donovan (wife Tricia), three grandchildren, Sabrina Simmons, Eddie and Ada Donovan, his brothers, Russell (wife Mary), Dewey (wife Jane) sister Claire (husband Farhad) and many nephews, nieces, grandnieces and grandnephews. He will be missed by his many friends for his outrageous sense of humor, helpfulness and kind deeds. There will be a memorial mass held at 11:00AM on September 4, 2021, at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 508 Riviera Street, Venice, FL 34285. Donations to St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Venice or Tidewell Foundation (hospice) in lieu of flowers would be most appreciated. Service Information Date: Saturday, September 4, 2021 Time: 11:00 am St. Mark's Episcopal Church Address: 508 Riviera Street, , Venice, FL, 34285 941-488-7714 | Map