Patrick S. Donovan

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Patrick S. Donovan, age 39, of Gallatin, TN. Patrick passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

After over 10 years of undiagnosed health struggles, Pat was diagnosed in September 2025 with Adult-Onset Cerebral Adrenoleukodystrophy (C-ALD), a rare neurological disorder. Once diagnosed, the disease progressed rapidly. Pat’s fight until the very end was courageous and beyond understanding of his family and medical team.

Pat grew up in Champaign, IL, where he made lifelong friendships from his very first day of kindergarten. While quiet and shy at a very young age, his huge personality and quick wit soon took over. Pat was hilarious in a very uniquely “Pat” way and could bring fun to any occasion.

A lifelong Illini fan, he graduated from the University of Illinois in 2009. He moved to Chicago shortly after, where he met his future wife, Kaitlin. Together they settled in Gallatin, TN, their family’s home for 10 years before relocating to Pittsford, NY in January 2026. Pat’s greatest happiness was being a dad to Ana and Jack. Ana’s favorite memories are playing catch and jumping on the trampoline with Dad in the backyard! Jack is his dad’s little clone and shares his great sense of humor, too!

Pat was an avid sports fan. Cheering on his teams (the Illini, Cowboys, and Marlins) was a favorite pastime! He was also an enthusiastic chef. Pizza, fried chicken, and burgers were a few of his specialties and loved by all. His family would love to publish a cookbook with his recipes. 

Pat is survived by his loving wife Kaitlin Donovan, daughter Ana Donovan (10), son Jack Donovan (5), mother Lori (Jim Young) Donovan, father Dan Donovan, brother Mike (Josie) Donovan, grandparents Larry & Darlene Johnson and Jean Donovan, uncles Phil (Carla) Harper, Matt (Abby) Johnson, aunt Lisa Donovan, parents-in-law Douglas and Lisa Smith, sisters-in-law Ashley (Stuart) Frame, Courtney (Tyler) Kime and Lindsay (Timothy) Dengler, and many nieces, nephews and close friends. He was predeceased by his grandfathers, Stephen Harper and Danny K. Donovan, Sr.

Our family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Rochester Regional Health Hospice team and the entire staff at the Hildebrant Hospice Care Center for their compassion and care. We are also infinitely grateful to Park Road Elementary and the Pittsford community who embraced us with open arms, and provided such immense support for our family, particularly for Ana and Jack during this time. Finally, we are forever grateful to our family and friends whose compassion, generosity and unwavering support provided strength and comfort throughout this difficult journey.

A private service and celebration of Pat’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Breakthrough Research Fund through ALD Connect.

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