Gerald Wesley Donovan
October 31, 1948 – July 31, 2021
Gerald Wesley Donovan of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland peacefully passed away at his home on Saturday, July 31st. Gerald was surrounded by his loving wife, Mary, daughter Mary Lanham, and sons Wesley and Ryan along with their families, his siblings, and many of his grandchildren.
Gerald was born on October 31, 1948 to the late Daphne and Fred Donovan. Gerald attended Calvert High School, Baltimore College of Commerce, Prince George’s Community College, and University of Maryland.
Gerald is survived by his wife Mary E. Donovan of Chesapeake Beach, sons Wesley and wife Julie of Dunkirk, Ryan and husband Erik of New York City, Roger O’Dell of Drum Point, daughters Mary Lanham and husband Mike of Dunkirk, and Veronica Fleming and husband Ricky of Flinton, Pennsylvania. He is survived by sisters Joan Kilmon of Huntingtown, Gail Harkins of Chesapeake Beach, Diane Harrison and husband Griffith of Huntingtown, brother Freddie Donovan and wife Carol of Chesapeake Beach. Thirteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren survive Gerald. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Addison Donovan and son Ricky O’Dell.
Gerald was a humble man who loved to serve. As a young man, he was on active duty in the US Marine Corps from 1968 to 1971. He was a former president and a lifetime member of the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department. Gerald graduated from Leadership Maryland, was an executive committee member of the Maryland Tourism Board, and a board member of the Maryland Restaurant Association. He served a term as chairman of the Calvert County Democratic Central Committee and initiated the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum.
One of his proudest accomplishments was starting the Cancer Gala/Celebration of Life along with his brother Freddie in memory of their father, Fred. Together, they raised more than $4 million dollars in thirty years of events for the American Cancer Society. In 2011, Mary and Gerald received The American Cancer Society’s Award of Excellence for Income Development in honor of their efforts during the thirty years of the event.
Gerald served on the Chesapeake Beach town council from 1976 to 1983. After being appointed mayor in 1983, he went on to be elected for six straight terms as mayor from 1984 until 2008, when he retired after thirty-two years of service. As mayor, many of his accomplishments are enjoyed by thousands of residents and guests every year: the Water Park, the Railway Trail, Bayfront Park, the town’s annual fireworks display, and Veterans Memorial Park. Gerald loved the Christmas season and was able to garner support from the town council to light the entire town with festive lights and displays. After he retired from his mayorship, he loved to drive around town looking at the new sidewalks, the decorative light poles with the hanging baskets full of flowers, all the while listening to Motown. As mayor, he would often tell people it’s amazing what you can accomplish when you don’t worry who gets the credit for it.
He loved Chesapeake Beach more than anywhere else, knew its history better than anyone, and made it his mission as mayor to put Chesapeake Beach back on the map, just as Otto Mears did in 1900. He was a teacher of all things business and Chesapeake Beach to those around him, like his grandfather Wesley Stinnett had been to him.
Gerald gave so much to our community, where he set forth his vision for The Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort. Always a visionary, he was so proud of his life’s work. He felt immense gratitude to those who helped him fulfill his dreams. He loved coming to work every day and as he often said, “If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.” He truly loved what he did.
A funeral procession escorted by Calvert County Sheriff’s Department and the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department will depart St. Anthony’s Church in North Beach at 1:30pm on Saturday, August 7th. They will travel along Rt. 261, passing many of Gerald’s favorite locations in Chesapeake Beach, circle through the Rod ‘N’ Reel parking lot before heading west on Rt. 260. If you wish to pay tribute to Gerald as the procession makes its way through Chesapeake Beach, we invite you to stand along Rt. 261 somewhere between the St. Anthony’s Church and the Rod ‘N’ Reel. Chesapeake Beach Town Hall, restaurants Trader’s and 1936 will have flags to pass out for when the procession passes by.
There will be a private family service by invitation and a Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to One Breath at a Time, Inc.’s Butterfly House, which provides room and board for families during the lung transplant process. www.onebreathatatime.net.
Visitation
Services
- Private
No Services Available
Interment
- Private
Contributions
One Breath at a Time, Inc.’s Butterfly House
PO Box 4619
Tampa, FL 33607
Condolences
Sort Comments
4 Aug 2021
10:14am
Dear Mary and family, words cannot express my sadness at this time. Gerald was a great man and a wonderful leader to all he knew. I will miss his sense of humor and his smile. My prayers are with you all.
City
Owings
State
Md.
4 Aug 2021
10:24am
May one of the nicest people I have ever know be peaceful in heaven. Gerald will be missed by all.
City
PRINCE FREDERICK
State
MD
4 Aug 2021
11:01am
Gerald was a Super Hero to especially Chesapeake Beach and the County. With memories of him in school and Miss Wood’s class clown, he sure accomplished a lot 😊! He would’ve made his grandparents and parents very proud of what he has done mainly for the town. He will be missed by many people.
City
Chesapeake Beach
State
MD
4 Aug 2021
11:13am
My condolences to the entire Donovan Family. Gerald was much loved by all. Including his cousin, my late wife Priscilla Murphy. She treasured Gerald and all her Donovan cousins. He will be sorely missed.
I have made a small donation to “One breath at a time” and encourage others to do as well.
City
Halifax
State
MA.
4 Aug 2021
1:04pm
I worked with Gerald at the Rod N Reel many years ago. He was one of the most compassionate people that I have ever met. My condolences to the Donavan family.
City
Deale
State
Maryland
4 Aug 2021
2:05pm
Mary and the Donavan Family,
So sorry for your loss. The Beach has lost one of its greatest ambassadors and advocates. He will be greatly missed but his life work and dedication is on display to be enjoyed and remembered by everyone who drives past the Veterans Memorial, the Rod N Reel or rides through town during the holidays admiring the Christmas lights. Rest In Peace Gerald.
City
Humble
State
TX
4 Aug 2021
2:13pm
It is a sad day when the “Beach” loses one of her sons.
City
Mount Pleasant
State
SC
4 Aug 2021
3:32pm
Donovan family, your family is in my prayers. May you find some comfort in family and friends during this difficult time. I know he was loved and admired by so many, and will be missed.
City
Owings
State
MD
4 Aug 2021
4:19pm
There are not too many people that have the charisma, dedication and good will as Gerald Donovan. The entire Murray Family offer their condolences and good wishes to Mary and the entire Donovan Family. Denny met Gerald back in the 70’s and forged a relationship that the remained strong until Denny’s passing in 2012…..Denny’s children Meg, Claire and John had their own close relationship with Gerald , as well as my children Pat, Beth and Mike …our brother Tim and my wife Dawn have many fond memories of Gerald as well. Murray weddings, birthdays, Cancer Gala’s, Bay Mills Christmas Parties and celebrations were always given high priority by Mary, Gerald and their wonderful staff. We Thank You Mary….Also remembering fondly of Gerald, is the Ruppert Family of Fairhaven, a Murray Family extension. Many great memories of Gerald live in the Murray’s hearts….he will not be forgotten……..God Bless You and Your Family, Gerald !!
Terry & Dawn Murray
City
Milford
State
Delaware
4 Aug 2021
4:46pm
My heart aches for all of Gerald’s loved ones .I can’t imagine a world without him in it. He was a Champion for everyone from the Beaches and for fairness, beauty and goodness .His smile is etched in my memory forever. He really was one of a kind. He has left a legacy for all generations to come. RIP my dear friend.
City
north beach
State
Maryland
4 Aug 2021
5:24pm
To Gerald’s family, friends, classmates,
God needed another wonderful angel in Heaven to look after all he left behind.
Gerald was a nice & kind person. Always remembered your name and wanting to know about you.
I had the pleasure of being one of his classmates. Oh the times the class of 66′ had & Calvert high school was never the
same. We all would gather for a class reunion in Oct. Gerald would make sure he gave all the girls a hug. I will miss that
hug my friend. But we will never forget Gerald. May his family have wonderful memories and they last your life time.
God has a special angel watching over you.
City
Prince Frederick
State
Md.
4 Aug 2021
11:30pm
Gerald was a one of a kind. He loved his Chesapeake Beach and worked so hard to make it grand. He was so good to me. I will miss him and carry many fond memories of the times when we spent working together.
My thoughts and prayers are with Mary and the family during this very difficult time.
City
Huntingtown
State
MD
5 Aug 2021
7:24am
RIP Gerald
Condolences to family & friends
City
Christiansburg
State
VA
5 Aug 2021
11:12am
Wes, My heart breaks for you my friend. I remember us playing basketball in your driveway as kids and always admiring whichever beautiful car your father had at the time. I know he’s taught you well and you’ll continue the proud Donovan tradition. God Bless your entire family
City
Chesapeake Beach
State
Md
5 Aug 2021
2:37pm
My deepest condolences to Geralds family and friends. Years ago I worked for Gerald. Years later whenever I ran into him he always remembered my name. RIP😢💕
City
North Beach
State
Md
5 Aug 2021
4:29pm
Gerald will be missed by so many. He was the best! I have so many great stories I will cherish. Rest in peace my friend. ❤ I will keep the family in my thoughts and prayers in these upcoming days.
City
North Beach
State
MD
5 Aug 2021
6:05pm
Gerald was a great man and one of the best people I have cared for. Even though I cannot be there in person to celebrate Gerald’s life, I will be there through my thoughts and prayers. I will always remember him. Chesapeake Beach will never forget him.
City
Newport
State
Maine
5 Aug 2021
8:39pm
My family and I will truly miss our conversations with Gerald. My husband, brothers, and many of my friends worked for Gerald at the Rod-n-Reel. So many fond memories. As we grew up to be adults and have our own families we often went back just to see Gerald. Rest In Peace Gerald. We will miss your smiling face. Sending peace and prayers to Mary, Wesley, Ryan, Freddie, Joanie, and all the other family members.
City
Chesapeake Beach
State
Maryland
15 Aug 2021
3:49pm
Sadly, I just today learned of the passing of Gerald Donovan My condolences to the entire Donovan family as well as to all his colleagues at the resort
I had the good fortune of doing business with Mr Donovan over the past several years and found him to be the most gracious, classy, warm individual that you can ever know Corky Bogert
City
Port Deposit
State
MD
16 Aug 2021
6:18pm
The Rod-N-Reel was my first job when I moved to Calvert Co., and Gerald made a point every day to visit and talk with each person there and know something about them. We can’t thank you enough for the changes, pleasures, and fun that you have endorsed in the beach for everyone to enjoy. You will always be an “icon” and my family thanks you for the wonderful moments, the memories and the thousands of people you have helped. Condolences to the entire Donovan family and his extended array of friends.
City
Lothian
State
MD
17 Aug 2021
6:49am
Dear Mary and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Gerald’s passing. He was truly a treasure to all of Calvert County. His imprint on the landscape of Chesapeake Beach will live on forever. I will never forget his generosity and kindness, as he was always one of the biggest supporters of our Relay for Life team. I am sending prayers to your family during this difficult time.
Donna Grover
City
Chesapeake Beach
State
MD
Sort Comments
Dear Mary and family, words cannot express my sadness at this time. Gerald was a great man and a wonderful leader to all he knew. I will miss his sense of humor and his smile. My prayers are with you all.
May one of the nicest people I have ever know be peaceful in heaven. Gerald will be missed by all.
Gerald was a Super Hero to especially Chesapeake Beach and the County. With memories of him in school and Miss Wood’s class clown, he sure accomplished a lot 😊! He would’ve made his grandparents and parents very proud of what he has done mainly for the town. He will be missed by many people.
My condolences to the entire Donovan Family. Gerald was much loved by all. Including his cousin, my late wife Priscilla Murphy. She treasured Gerald and all her Donovan cousins. He will be sorely missed.
I have made a small donation to “One breath at a time” and encourage others to do as well.
I worked with Gerald at the Rod N Reel many years ago. He was one of the most compassionate people that I have ever met. My condolences to the Donavan family.
Mary and the Donavan Family,
So sorry for your loss. The Beach has lost one of its greatest ambassadors and advocates. He will be greatly missed but his life work and dedication is on display to be enjoyed and remembered by everyone who drives past the Veterans Memorial, the Rod N Reel or rides through town during the holidays admiring the Christmas lights. Rest In Peace Gerald.
It is a sad day when the “Beach” loses one of her sons.
Donovan family, your family is in my prayers. May you find some comfort in family and friends during this difficult time. I know he was loved and admired by so many, and will be missed.
There are not too many people that have the charisma, dedication and good will as Gerald Donovan. The entire Murray Family offer their condolences and good wishes to Mary and the entire Donovan Family. Denny met Gerald back in the 70’s and forged a relationship that the remained strong until Denny’s passing in 2012…..Denny’s children Meg, Claire and John had their own close relationship with Gerald , as well as my children Pat, Beth and Mike …our brother Tim and my wife Dawn have many fond memories of Gerald as well. Murray weddings, birthdays, Cancer Gala’s, Bay Mills Christmas Parties and celebrations were always given high priority by Mary, Gerald and their wonderful staff. We Thank You Mary….Also remembering fondly of Gerald, is the Ruppert Family of Fairhaven, a Murray Family extension. Many great memories of Gerald live in the Murray’s hearts….he will not be forgotten……..God Bless You and Your Family, Gerald !!
Terry & Dawn Murray
My heart aches for all of Gerald’s loved ones .I can’t imagine a world without him in it. He was a Champion for everyone from the Beaches and for fairness, beauty and goodness .His smile is etched in my memory forever. He really was one of a kind. He has left a legacy for all generations to come. RIP my dear friend.
To Gerald’s family, friends, classmates,
God needed another wonderful angel in Heaven to look after all he left behind.
Gerald was a nice & kind person. Always remembered your name and wanting to know about you.
I had the pleasure of being one of his classmates. Oh the times the class of 66′ had & Calvert high school was never the
same. We all would gather for a class reunion in Oct. Gerald would make sure he gave all the girls a hug. I will miss that
hug my friend. But we will never forget Gerald. May his family have wonderful memories and they last your life time.
God has a special angel watching over you.
Gerald was a one of a kind. He loved his Chesapeake Beach and worked so hard to make it grand. He was so good to me. I will miss him and carry many fond memories of the times when we spent working together.
My thoughts and prayers are with Mary and the family during this very difficult time.
RIP Gerald
Condolences to family & friends
Wes, My heart breaks for you my friend. I remember us playing basketball in your driveway as kids and always admiring whichever beautiful car your father had at the time. I know he’s taught you well and you’ll continue the proud Donovan tradition. God Bless your entire family
My deepest condolences to Geralds family and friends. Years ago I worked for Gerald. Years later whenever I ran into him he always remembered my name. RIP😢💕
Gerald will be missed by so many. He was the best! I have so many great stories I will cherish. Rest in peace my friend. ❤ I will keep the family in my thoughts and prayers in these upcoming days.
Gerald was a great man and one of the best people I have cared for. Even though I cannot be there in person to celebrate Gerald’s life, I will be there through my thoughts and prayers. I will always remember him. Chesapeake Beach will never forget him.
My family and I will truly miss our conversations with Gerald. My husband, brothers, and many of my friends worked for Gerald at the Rod-n-Reel. So many fond memories. As we grew up to be adults and have our own families we often went back just to see Gerald. Rest In Peace Gerald. We will miss your smiling face. Sending peace and prayers to Mary, Wesley, Ryan, Freddie, Joanie, and all the other family members.
Sadly, I just today learned of the passing of Gerald Donovan My condolences to the entire Donovan family as well as to all his colleagues at the resort
I had the good fortune of doing business with Mr Donovan over the past several years and found him to be the most gracious, classy, warm individual that you can ever know Corky Bogert
The Rod-N-Reel was my first job when I moved to Calvert Co., and Gerald made a point every day to visit and talk with each person there and know something about them. We can’t thank you enough for the changes, pleasures, and fun that you have endorsed in the beach for everyone to enjoy. You will always be an “icon” and my family thanks you for the wonderful moments, the memories and the thousands of people you have helped. Condolences to the entire Donovan family and his extended array of friends.
Dear Mary and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Gerald’s passing. He was truly a treasure to all of Calvert County. His imprint on the landscape of Chesapeake Beach will live on forever. I will never forget his generosity and kindness, as he was always one of the biggest supporters of our Relay for Life team. I am sending prayers to your family during this difficult time.
Donna Grover