VERO BEACH, Fla. — John J. Donovan, 90, former resident of Rockport and Warren, died peacefully March 4, 2015, with his family at his side, at the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, Fla.

Born in Watertown, N.Y., on Dec. 25, 1924, he was the son of Cornelius and Margaret McCarthy Donovan. Moving with his family at a young age to Rome, N.Y., John attended parochial schools there, graduating from St. Aloysius Academy in 1942.

In February of 1943, Mr. Donovan enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps where he served as a pilot during World War II. Upon his honorable discharge in 1946, he attended Syracuse University, graduating in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering.

Mr. Donovan began his career with the Radar Research Laboratory at Rome Air Development Center. He later joined the Office of Secretary of Defense as chief staff assistant.

On Dec. 31, 1955 John married Virginia Alden Boggs in Concord, N.H. Later in life the pair made their home in Rockport where Mr. Donovan owned and operated the Walking Chicken Antique Shop. They also lived for several years in Warren. For the past 22 years Mr. Donovan has resided in Vero Beach, Fla.

Predeceased by his wife; a daughter, Maureen in 1989; his sister, Dorothy Mahoney; and his brothers, Francis Donovan and Bernard Donovan; Mr. Donovan is survived by his sons, Joseph Donovan and his wife, Tina, of Concord, N.H., and James Donovan and his wife, Micelle, of Coventry, R.I.; and his grandchildren, Katelyn, Lindsay and Tony.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, March 14 at 11 a.m. at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, 150 Broadway in Rockland. The Rev. Richard Malo will officiate. Interment will take place in the spring at Sawyer Cemetery in Warren.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.