Andrew Donovan, Former Shrewsbury Student, Dies

SHREWSBURY, MA — In a letter to the community, Superintendent of Schools Joe Sawyer announced that Andrew Donovan, 20, has died.

"Andrew was a Shrewsbury student who attended Parker Road Preschool, Beal Early Childhood Center, and Spring Street School during his younger years, and then he subsequently attended Perkins School in Watertown and Crotched Mountain School in New Hampshire due to his unique needs," wrote Sawyer. "Andrew's obituary provides a sense of his spirit. On behalf of everyone in our school district, I offer sincere condolences to the Donovan Family on the loss of their son."

Obituary via Heald and Chiampa:

September 30, 1996 Andrew Joseph Donovan was born early as the second child to Brian and Nanette Donovan. Born with medical complications he was under the great care of the staff where his mother was a respiratory therapist at The Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. Andrew's parents knew his life would be filled with limitations and definite medical complications but the one thing they could make sure to be certain…he would know unconditional love. And that he did.

After a fall three weeks ago at his much loved Crotched Mountain School where he was a resident, he died on Friday, March 24, 2017, surrounded in the love of his parents and brothers. He was 20.

Life in Shrewsbury enabled Andrew to be enrolled and involved at the Parker Road School in Shrewsbury where he adored his aide, and later Beal and Spring Street Schools. He then transferred to the well regarded Perkins School in Watertown where his needs were met on a somewhat full time basis.

Andrew never knew life where he was able to speak verbally his feelings or voice his opinion. It didn't mean he wasn't able to communicate. It became his mantra and no one more than Andrew loved to replay something of his own creation on his iPad. His brothers, Jack and Matt had the world's biggest fan in Andrew and he was always on the sideline at one of their games. Winter for Jack and Matt meant shoveling the driveway but it also meant making sure the trampoline was clear of snow and accessibility to the hot tub was crucial. These physical activities put miles of smiles on his face and kept him entertained for hours. His family included Andrew on all family vacations throughout the United States and Europe. In his twenty years he experienced more than most in a lifetime. Andrew's life, like the roller coasters he loved, was something he never feared and the excitement from the ride brought him moments of pure excitement and happiness. In those moments….he was free.

Life changed in 2008 when he was introduced to the Crotched Mountain School in Greenfield, New Hampshire. Andrew not only adapted but thrived in the living community. He was no longer on the sidelines but was the center of attention, and again found another aide he adored.

Matthew 5:4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Andrew leaves his parents, Brian and Nan Donovan; his brothers, John F. 'Jack' Donovan of South Boston and Matthew P. Donovan of Shrewsbury; his grandparents, Jeanne I. (Paquette) Kaczynski of Springfield and Francis V. and Phyllis S. (Salvini) Donovan of Meriden, Connecticut; many aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family would like to sincerely thank and acknowledge the superb care from the nurses and doctors at Boston Children's Hospital, especially Dr. Ed Smith, Dr. Tim Hresko and Dr. Mark Proctor. They also are indebted to the staff at Crotched Mountain, especially his aide, Patrick.

Family and friends will honor and remember Andrew's life by gathering for calling hours at Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors ~ The Sumner House, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury Center on Tuesday, March 28th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and again on Wednesday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Mary's Church, 640 Main Street, Shrewsbury where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery.

Memorials in his name may be made to Crotched Mountain School, Music Therapy Program, One Verney Drive Greenfield, NH 03047, Attention Don Crooker.

Photo via Heald and Chiampa