Ivan B

Donovan

The number of days we have on this earth is out of our control, but how we choose to live those days is almost always up to us.  Ivan Donovan chose a life of hard work, generosity, and caring.  And because of his choices, he will leave the legacy that he made a positive impact on the lives of his family, friends, community and many whom he will never meet.  His life made the life of others better whether through his service to the homeless, his years of service to New York City youths or the tireless efforts raising funds for his dear Shaw University. His life has improved the lives of others!

Ivan Donovan, Jr was born on October 27, 1944 in the Village of Harlem, New York, to the late Ivan Agosto and Willa Harris-Donovan.  The oldest of five boys, Ivan later moved with his family to the Lincoln Center neighborhood, where he grew up with his four brothers, LaVaughn, Vairon, Sherwynn and Daryl.  He attended both Catholic and public schools in New York City.  Ivan often spoke with glee about the many adventures that took place in a household of five boys.

Ivan was a star basketball player in high school, and his athletic abilities earned him a basketball scholarship to Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina.  He liked to say that his public life was fostered at Shaw. He lettered in basketball and led the Southern Division of the CIAA in rebounding, and consistently led the Shaw Bears in double-doubles (i.e. rebounding and points.)  He integrated well into campus life.  He was a mailman, yearbook staff photographer, president of the Men's Student Personnel Council, first language lab technician and a dormitory proctor.  He cherished his years at Shaw University, graduating in 1968 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English. He was inducted into the Shaw University Athletic Hall of Fame in October 2004.

His basketball skills not only took him to Shaw University but also to the Dominican Republic the native land of his father.  In the 1970's, The Dominican Republic Olympic Committee recruited him to help coach the Dominican team as they prepared to compete with other Caribbean and Canadian teams as well as prepare for the Pan American Games and the Olympics. Each summer for four years, Ivan and his brothers spent several weeks playing basketball with the Dominican Republic developmental basketball teams.

In 1968, finding a job was difficult for young African American men of draft age. However, Ivan was fortunate to be hired by the City of New York as a caseworker.  Four months later, he was drafted into the US Army and sent to Vietnam where he served as a medic.  He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1970 with the rank of Specialist 5.

Upon his return from service he resumed his employment with the City of New York.  His first assignment was working with the newly created Mayor's Office of Veteran's Affairs as an Educational and Vocational counselor.  This unit was formed to assist returning Vietnam veterans in need of services.

Ivan was employed by the City for 33 years, mainly working to secure housing for homeless families and single adults. At that time a large population of homeless women and men were living on the streets and families were leaving condemned buildings. New York City was under various court orders to provide shelter for these populations. With the approval of the then HRA Commissioner, Ivan created the Shelter Planning and Development unit which was formed to locate buildings that could be quickly renovated for occupancy.  Expanded into a division today, this concept of locating buildings that can be quickly renovated continues.  He worked in various managerial and supervisory roles over his 35 years in City services, always pleasantly taking on new and difficult challenges. In 2001, he retired from City services as the Director of HRA Building Services.

Ivan cared deeply about the youth of today and worked to positively impact their lives.  Never tired when it came to focusing on young people, he worked with the City as Director of several evening programs from 1981 to 1994. He provided recreational activities including after-school sports, tutorial assistance, and cultural activities.  He later served as a lifeguard.  He also served in various executive positions in the Pelham-Fritz Basketball League, an organization of retired athletes that mentors high school students and provides cash scholarships to graduating high school seniors.

An avid scuba diver, Ivan held a lifetime membership in the National Association of Black Scuba Divers.  He held various positions in the Aquatic Voyager Scuba Club including president and treasurer.  He also found time to teach City youths the virtues of safe diving.

A four-term President of the Shaw University North Jersey Alumni Association Chapter, Ivan was active in raising money for his beloved Shaw.  He was also a consultant for the New Jersey Endowment Scholarship Fund Committee for high school seniors matriculating at Shaw University.

In October 1985, it all started over an afterwork drink.  Although they met at Shaw in 1964, their relationship was one of friendship and as fellow alumni.  The afterwork drink led to a blossoming courtship.  " I was slow to realize Bernie's charm but quick to realize her banner over me was love." In August 1988, Ivan married the love of his life, Bernadette Morgan Nicholas (aka: Bernie).  For 33 years they shared a life together traveling abroad and within the United States, attending concerts, specifically jazz concerts, Broadway performances and simply enjoying life.

Ivan was extremely family oriented and was ever present at family gatherings and celebrations both near and far.  His love for his family was unparalleled.  He often spoke proudly of his nieces and nephews' achievements.  He also lamented when he thought that they were not living up to their potentials.

Talkative and warm, he never met a stranger.  He touched so many people in ways that he will never know.  A kind heart, a giver, and an adventurer, he was always venturing into something new, such as traveling to Brooklyn for a writing class.  A dapper dresser, who look for every opportunity to wear his tuxedos.  He loved jazz, old movies and Stephen A. Smith, a sports broadcaster.  He loved traveling to dive locations including South Africa, The Red Sea, Indonesia, the Philipines  and mostly all Caribbean Islands.  Cuba was next on his agenda but unfortunately due to Covid and politics, the trip was cancelled.   He was an excellent photographer (especially underwater).

Ivan waged a fierce battle during his illness and even on days when you knew he wasn't at his best, he continued to show that determination that he exhibited all his life.

In addition to his parents, Ivan was preceded in death by his brothers, LaVaughn, Vairon, Sherwynn and Daryl Donovan.

Ivan leaves to mourn his loving and devoted wife Bernadette; Aunts, Elizabeth Franklin and Shirley Brown; Uncle, Charles Brown; Nieces, Adina Johnson, MarVaughn McCray and Tiffany Schofield;  Nephews, Trevonne Donovan, Mondo Donovan, Marlone Donovan and Ronnie Johnson; One sister-in-law, Donna Donovan; Cousins, Teresa Encarnacion, many other dear cousins, grandnieces and grandnephews and a host of other relatives and dear friends.

.