Thomas “Tom” Donovan passed away peacefully Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026. He was born April 4, 1958, in Staten Island, N.Y., to the late Thomas and Joan Donovan.

Tom began his career as an apprentice with Otis Elevator Oct. 18, 1979. He went on to enjoy a long and successful career with the company, spending 23 years in the field and ultimately becoming a foreman/lead adjuster before transitioning into management. His final position was as a regional field engineer in New York City. After an impressive 46-year career, Tom happily retired in October 2024.

In 2009, he married Renata Andreani, and together they discovered a shared love of traveling the world. Italy held a particularly special place in their hearts. They traveled there numerous times to ski and tour the country before they were married and even chose Italy for their honeymoon. When Tom returned to the office following one of their trips, he discovered that his name tag had jokingly been changed to “Donovini.”

Tom’s passion for travel only grew over the years. He and Renata created wonderful memories traveling to South Africa, Turkey, Greece, London and the Galapagos Islands. Most recently, in May 2026, they traveled to Argentina, including Buenos Aires, and Peru, where they spent the final days of their trip visiting Machu Picchu—a bucket-list dream come true.

Outside of his travels, Tom enjoyed skiing, golfing, weight training, bike riding and spending time at the beach. Music was also an important part of his life, and he especially missed playing the drums.

Tom loved the holidays, particularly Christmas, and enthusiastically participated in decorating every corner of the house. He and Renata built their dream home and moved into it at the end of April 2022. Tom never tired of appreciating where they lived and would often say, “Do you know how much I love it here?” During their years there, he made many friends in the area, friendships for which he was truly grateful. Everyone who knew Tom enjoyed his great sense of humor and fun-loving nature.

Above all, Tom treasured his family. He dearly loved his grandchildren, Gabe, Cullen and Grace, and cherished every moment he was able to spend with them.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 17 years, Renata Andreani; his son, Tommy Donovan and his wife Elizabeth "Liz"; his daughter, Kelly Donovan; his beloved grandchildren, Gabe, Cullen and Grace; his brother, Kenneth Donovan and his wife Laura, and their children, Melissa, JoAnne and John Donovan; and his sister, Linda.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Tom’s memory to Tunnell Cancer Center, beebehealthcare.org/donate. As an alternative, donations can be made to netsmission.org, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting and educating high-grade neuroendocrine cancer patients around the world.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 10, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m.

Visit Tom’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.