Charles Donovan Obituary

May the Lord grant you and your family peace and strength throughout this difficult trial. We pray for your faith to grow and sustain you. Much sympathy to you all.

Charlie, I only met you once, but, what a great impression I got from you. You had a contagious smile and friendly personality. You were all over the field that day. In batting practice I was struck by your energy. You were a baseball player. Nothing fancy, just, let's go, and play this game. During the game, the first ball you hit I took a double take at my watch. I whispered to myself, "this kid can fly." I was there that day to see one player, you. Charlie you did not disappoint in anything you showed me that day. I was saddened to hear the news of your death. You made quite an impression on me in the one time we spoke.Once again not only did I meet a talented baseball player that day, but an outstanding young man. My prayers and thoughts are with the entire family at a very tough time.

Dave Machemer
Special assignment scout
Baltimore Orioles

Jim,
We are so sorry for your loss and what your family is going through. I only know you from instructing my boys at Strikes. The boys and I will pray for your family.
The Connells

Dear Dave, Katy and family: I am so very sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies are with you.
Sincerely,
Sharon DeVault

Dear Jim,

You and the staff at Strikes spent many years teaching my son Michael baseball and I always appreciated how positive and patient you were with him especially when he was a little guy. I can't imagine the tough times you and your family are going through and all of you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Dave Rasmussen and family, Western Springs

Dear Donovan Family,

As our hearts break for the loss of your precious Charlie, we fondly recall those special summer days watching our boys compete and excel at something they loved. Our Jack will always treasure the times spent on the diamond and in the dugout with Charlie; playing together on the OP Hitmen and the amazing experience in Jupiter with the Chicago Scouts Association. Thank you for sharing Charlie and his gifts. We are blessed to have known such an incredible young man.
God bless all of you.

Brad and Nancy Mueller

Although I did not know Charlie personally, he graduated last year with my son, Joe. Praying for your family during this tragedy.

Karen:

I am so sorry to hear and offer my condolences on your loss. I am away or I would have come to offer this in person. You and your family are in outr thoughts and prayers.

Thoughts and prayers to the Donovan family. So sorry for your loss. I did not personally know Charlie, but my son's team trained in Darien where both Charlie and Joe would come help out. My son had the utmost respect for Charlie and his willingness to always give advise and help. Rest in peace Charlie.

Donovan Family,

Our deepest, heartfelt sympathies to all of you at this time.

Chris, Cathy, Christopher, and Carolyn Wagner

Our thoughts and prayers are with you We will always remember Charlie. He had a positive influence on so many people, on and off the baseball field. We have been blessed by knowing him.

Donovan Family

My prayers and thoughts are with you all. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your sons life. He truly has touched all of us in a special way. A great ballplayer, but a much better young man.....God bless you.

Dear Karen & family, Darlene told me of the passing of your son and I want you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.

Jim and the entire Donovan family
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May you find strength and comfort in each other and peace in all the wonderful memories you have of Charlie.

Sending my condolences<3

May God bless and keep you all. So very sorry for your loss. Ryan still says the Oak Park Hitmen was one of his favorite teams he every played on. We will always remember the fun times with your family and watching Charlie play baseball. -Roger and Wendy Chancellor

We are very sad for your loss. My you find strength to get you through these dark days. Rest in Peace, Charlie.

Dear Donovan Family,

We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Charlie. As witnessed here, and at the funeral home, Charlie had a huge impact on many people's lives. Find inner strength to get through these trying times and never forget....a shining star is now looking over you.

Respectfully,
Ron, Lori and Matt McKenzie

To Jim and the entire Donovan family,

Our deepest sympathies to you and your family on your terrible loss. You are in our thoughts & prayers.

Jim,Karen and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you be comforted in all the wonderful memories you have of Charlie.

As an English teacher at Westmont High School, my sister Judi, had the privilege of knowing Charlie and partaking in his high school education. Recently, when I spoke with her, it was apparent that she was sad as something surely was weighing heavily on her heart. Indeed, it was the loss of Charlie and thoughts of his families unthinkable heartbreak. Peace and blessings to you during this most difficult time.

We arrived to pay our respects and found the line out the door, around the corner, and 3/4 down the long block...what a testament to how much Charlie touched and inspired not only people who knew him personally, but a whole community, multiple communities...your day must have been exhausting. Hope you find some peace and comfort in the out pouring of love. RIP Charlie, God Bless family and friends at this time of extreme sadness. We didn't know Charlie personally, but certainly knew of him as a successful member of the High School community and knew of him through mutual friends and his brother, and we are saddened by his loss.

Karen and family, my deepest condolences on the loss of your beautiful son. May you find peace in the love you will carry with you for the rest of your days here on earth. - Sarah Cunningham, Trinity '86

Praying for your family during this difficult time. With deepest sympathy.

So very sorry for your loss. May your loved one rest in the arms of the Lord, and find peace for eternity.

We didn't know Charlie personally, but having a D-1 athlete in the Class of 2015, we definitely knew of him and admired him. He was not only known for his great baseball skills but also as an exceptional young man. You will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Donovan Family, Please know that we are thinking of you and you are in our prayers. May God Bless You and hold you all close to his side during this difficult time!!
The Marquardt Family

May god bless the family at this most difficult time

JIM,KAREN,JOE AND JACK,
CHARLIE WAS TRULY A EXCEPTIONAL PERSON ON AND OFF THE FIELD. I HAD THE GREAT HONOR OF COACHING HIM FOR THE PAST 6 YEARS AND HE WAS THE BEST PLAYER THE GRAVEL BASEBALL TEAM EVER HAD. CHARLIE LED BY EXAMPLE AND MADE EVERYONE AROUND HIM BETTER. MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO YOUR FAMILY AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY PRAYERS.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. God bless you and your family.

Sincerely,

The McKinney Family

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Jimmy
Charlie is playing ball at a much better ball park, in Heaven

To the Donovan family,

So very sorry for your loss. Have read and heard nothing but positive things about Charlie .



Gene

University of Michigan Alumni

The Donovan Family,

Please accept our condolences on the passing of Charlie. It was an honor to have been associated with such a great human being and we will never forget his smile.

Our most sincere sympathies and heartfelt prayers.

The hearts and prayers of our family go out to yours. We are so very sorry for your loss. With deepest sympathies,

The Sefcik Family

Dear Jim, Karen, Jack, Joe & family: We and so many others are thinking of you and praying that you find comfort and peace. May Charlie's memory be a blessing.

We are all so sorry for the loss of sweet, smart, loving and beloved Charlie. I'll never forget how excited the younger boys were after seeing him make a great play - their eyes lit up talking about Charlie. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Although we did not have the pleasure of knowing Charlie nor do you know of our family - please accept our deepest sympathy. Our hearts go out to you. We pray for your strength as the next few days unfold. We remind ourselves and our daughters of the importance of each day as we hope for your peace and comfort. The Lambert Family

Dear Karen, Jim, and Family:

Words cannot express how very sorry we are to hear of the paasing of Charlie. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time.

Take care,
Marilyn and Fred

I'm sending prayers for your family during this time of loss. I hope that your faith will bolster you through. I don't know your son or your family, but because of baseball your story speaks to my heart. Please know that his story will reverberate for years to come.

I'm sorry for your loss. Charlie will be always remembered.

Jim, Karen, Jack and Joe~

We send you all our love from the bottom of our hearts.

~The Testore Family

Dear Karen, Jim, Jack, Joe, and family,

We will always remember Charlie's beautiful smile and kind way. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

TO THE DONOVAN FAMILY. WE WILL KEEP YOU ALL IN OUR PRAYERS. CHARLIE WAS AND STILL IS AN INSPIRATION TO MANY PEOPLE IN THE BASEBALL COMMUNITY!

COACH GENERAL MCARTHUR III
GENERAL "MAC MAC" MCARTHUR

RHINO BASEBALL
IL TITANS

To the Donovan Family,

Our prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family. Charlie was an amazing young man and he has an amazing family. He will forever be in our hearts. Peace and love to you all.

Toby Casella and Family.

Jim, Karen, Joe and Jack.....words cannot express how much my heart hurts in hearing this news. I remember Charlie when he played baseball with my son John.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and all that knew and loved Charlie.

Marcy Rohan

I was informed of Charlie's passing by an ex teammate of mine from the University of Illinois and wanted to reach out to his family and extend my deepest sympathy. You are in my prayers. From everything I've watched and read Charlie was an amazing player and person. May God bless you and grant you peace.

To the Donovan family,
Sending our deepest sympathy and love. May you find strength and comfort in each other. We are keeping you in our hearts.
With all our love,
Sara Ryan Warner, Malcolm and family

I did not have the good fortune of meeting Charlie although our son's played side by side this last few years for Gravel Baseball. My heart is so heavy for your family but I told Cole, who's Grandpa recently past to say a prayer to his Grandpa so he takes Charlie under his wing to guide him in his first days in Heavan. God Bless you and your family.

Dear Jim, Karen, Jack and Joe,

Please accept our heartfelt sympathy in the loss of such an amazing young man. We are so sorry, our prayers are with all of you. Charlie brought constant joy as we watched him in the front yard throwing the ball and also running his sprints. He was and always will be an inspiration.
Love,
Mark, Kathleen, Sean and Kelly

Dear Donovan family,
It was truly an honor to play on the same field with your son. He was one of the best athletes to play against. He was more importantly, a very respectful young man. I am very sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers.
Alex Sokolowski and family

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Donovan family. I always will have the highest regard for Charlie as a baseball player but even more so as a fine young man. He played the game of baseball the right way.

Donovan Family,
Our hearts and prayers go out to you. I speak for our family but assure you all of the Lisle community feel the same. Our boys played ball with Charlie. Charlie was well respected both as a phenomenal athlete but also and most important as a kind, well liked, respected human being. In an attempt to find some small comfort, please know you did a wonderful job raising a truly fine young man.
Our deepest sympathies and many prayers,
Kim, Larry, Alex and Max Sokolowski

Eternal peace for Charlie! Thoughts and prayers for the family to find peace and comfort.

Karen, Jim, Jack, and Joe my prayers are continuous during this profoundly difficult time. Love, Julie Caron

Karen, Jim,Jack and Joe, My prayers are continuous for you during this profoundly difficult time. Love, Julie Caron

I do not know Charlie - or his family. I have been a baseball fan my entire life and my son has followed my passion. I heard about Charlie over the weekend - and I felt compelled to reach out to you - as a complete stranger - and offer my deepest sympathy. May Charlie rest now - and his family find peace...God bless you.

Dear Karen, Jim and the boys.. Words cannot even begin to express my sincere condolences for your loss.. You will be in my prayers, God bless all of you Ian's your family. My deepest sympathy..

I'm so very sorry. My prayers and thoughts are with your family during this difficult time.

Dear Donovan Family, I have never formally met you but Charlie was at numerous showcases with my son. All the boys loved to watch and follow Charlie. As a mother, you will all be in my prayers. God Bless each of you as you go through this difficult situation.

Jim, Karen, Jack, Joe, Our Love and Prayers reach out to you at this sad time.
Love Ken and Char

Jim, Karen, Joe and Jack,
So Sorry. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family. Peace be with you.
Love Rich, Cathy, David and Kevin Ellis

Thoughts and Prayers to the Donovan family ~ God Bless - Greg, Ryan & Kyler Pacyga

Donovan family we are deeply saddened by the loss of Charlie, such a wonderful young man. It's been many years, but I was talking with my son Andrew about the memories of baseball and he'll never forget pitching one into Charlie and off it went for a home run! Charlie gave him a quick wink and Andrew gave a laugh! Please know that your family will be in our thoughts and prayers always! Mary Alice, Steve, Matthew, Sarah and Andrew Radford

Our deepest sympathy. We are holding you all in our hearts and prayers.

Your family is in our prayers and in our thoughts. May you be comforted by all the love of friends and family surrounding you. Bobby, Kathy, George and Grace Fuller

Jim & Karen,

Deepest sympathies from all the O'Connells. You are in our thoughts and prayers,

So deeply saddened. Charlie and my daughter Elisa were friends, she spoke of him often. Our hearts and prayers go out to all of you. With Grace and Peace.

You and your family have our deepest condolences!!! My heart hurts....I remember watching Charlie and talking to you at the games...But remember God has his reasons and we have our season!!! You're in our prayers!!

Donovan Family,

The news about Charlie deeply saddened my wife and I. Although I did not know Charlie well, I sat with the baseball team as the softball team traveled with them last year. I know the community and your friends & family will help to keep your spirits high.

J.R. & Cindy Nolan
WHS Softball Coach

So very sorry , please know you are in our thoughts and prayers,
With deepest sympathy Guy, Sandy, Matt and Mike McFolling

We are just so saddened by your loss, Jim. He was a remarkable talent, and I know you were so proud of him. Please know that we're all thinking of you, Karen and the rest of the Donovan family are in out thoughts. Just so sorry.

We do not know your family, nor do you know ours. Yet, our hearts are broken for you. We are holding you all tightly in prayer--that God would give you all strength.

Our family is devastated and saddened to learn of Charlie's passing. Our hearts and prayers go out to your family. Sending you much love and peace.

The Walker Family

Jim, Karen, Jack and Joe - Great memories of watching the boys play both basketball and baseball. Our hearts break for all of you. Know you are in our prayers.
The Smith Family

Our deepest condolences from the Coppin family in Lisle. Your family is in our prayers.

Charlie was an extraordinary young man. Kind and thoughtful. Watching the way he interacted with his peers, lifted them up, was a privilege. Thank you for raising an amazing young man, Jim and Karen; and thank you for sharing him with us. May you, Joe and jack feel the community lift you up during this time and may you fine peace. #0 is on my mind.

We did not know Charlie or your family, but wanted to extend our prayers to you during this difficult time. May your memories bring you comfort. May God's love bring you peace.

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

We are so sorry for your loss. Please know your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Kim, Katie and Joe Hoehler

Wishing you and your family peace during this time.

Our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers go out to the Donovan family. Charlie was such a great kid and incredible talent. The Jenkins Family

I've heard of Charlie as a player, but I never met him. Since early this morning, I've been following twitter and looking at tweets from people in the baseball community, and his friends and family.

Today after our morning session in the weight room, I shared as much as I could with my team and reminded them just how precious life is and not to take anything for granted. All of our thoughts and prayers are with the family and their friends as they get through this difficult time.

My prayers are with you all. It was always a pleasure to compete against Charlie...a great opponent and a terrific young man.

Jim, Karen, Jack and Joe. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Charlie will be missed more than words can say. What a special young man. He will never be forgotten. The Alessi Family

On behalf of the Board of Education of District 201, please know that Charlie's star will always burn bright in our community.

Jim, Karen, Jack and Joe. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Charlie will be missed more than words than can say. What a special young man. The Alessi Family

God bless you all, and God rest his soul. We'll be praying for all of you.

Dear Jim,Karen,Jack and Joe,Know that you are held in Prayer and there are no words to describe the aching in our hearts for your loss. Our deepest sympathy, Peace & Love,
The Gurka Family