Colonel Robert T. Donovan, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and a man of exceptional service, passed away on November 9, 2024, at the age of 88. Born in Jackson Heights, New York City on November 1, 1936, he was the son of Thomas and Edna (Minckler) Donovan. He graduated from Bishop Loughlin High School in Brooklyn, NY, and was honored with a Congressional appointment to West Point in 1954, where he began a distinguished military career that spanned over 26 years.

In 1961, Robert married the love of his life, Anne Marie Donnelly, at West Point and together they raised four children: Thomas (deceased in 1994); Bob of Westminster, VA; William (wife Lisa) of Carlisle, PA; Jennifer (husband Toby) Kuhn of Carlisle, PA. He is also survived by three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A dedicated officer and leader, Robert transferred from the Army's Armor Branch to the Military Police Corps in 1960, where he followed his passion for law enforcement operations throughout his military service. He earned a Master's Degree in Police Administration from Michigan State University and graduated from the Army's Armor and Military Police School, the United States Army Command and General Staff College, and the United States Army War College.

His military decorations reflect his commitment and courage, including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm.

Robert's career included overseas tours in Korea, Vietnam, and Germany, as well as stateside assignments at Fort Jay, NY, Fort Bragg, NC, Fort Leavenworth, KS, West Point, NY, and Carlisle Barracks, PA. He retired in 1985 as a Colonel, after 26 years of exemplary service to his country.

Even after retiring from the Army, Robert remained dedicated to public service. He continued his work in law enforcement and criminal justice as Program Manager for the Drug Control and System Improvement Program at the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, where he served until his retirement in 2001.

Robert was a proud member of the West Point Association of Graduates, the Military Officers Association of America, and the Military Police Officers Association.

His legacy is one of integrity, service, and love for his family. He was a man who valued duty, honor, and country, and those who knew him will remember him for his deep commitment to both his work and his loved ones.

Robert was predeceased by his wife, Anne Marie, son, Thomas Donovan, and grandsons, Jonathan Thomas (JT) Kuhn and Nicholas Donovan. He is survived by his children, Jennifer (Donovan) Kuhn (husband Toby), William Donovan (wife Lisa), and Bob Donovan; grandchildren Jacqueline Kuhn (husband Patrick Dellinger), Jessica Kuhn, and Trevor Donovan; and great-grandchildren August, Charlotte, and Gracyne Dellinger.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, in the Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, 630 S. Hanover St., Carlisle, the burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2024, with military honor guard, at St. Patrick's Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Central Pennsylvania.