Anthony Longo
My sincere condolences to the entire Donovan family, and a special note of sympathy to Iggy's brother Jerry.
Bill Donovan was one of my closest friends growing up in Methuen. We shared Tenney H.S. locker rooms and clubhouses with each other playing football, baseball & basketball together. We were the only two in our class that played all three sports, starting in the 9th grade at "Methuen Central" school.
My family was close to Bill's wife Maureen even before they married, since my oldest sister graduated from Lawrence H.S. with Maureen's sister Joan, and they also lived near us in Methuen.
After Bill's discharge from the Navy, and my discharge from the Marine Corps, Bill would drop by my family home in Methuen to reflect on the good times we shared growing up in Methuen.
After Bill married Maureen they lived a couple of blocks from us in Methuen. We would meet more often, until I got married and moved to NH.
My wife and I stayed close to Bill and Maureen for many years...often running into each other at the (old) Bon Secours Hospital with children injuries or sickness.
If you had Iggy as a friend you became a better person. However, If Bill Donovan was your football or basketball opponent, especially against our strongest rivals, you were less likely to look forward to your next confrontation with Mr. Donovan & Company.
Yes, William/Bill/Iggy Donovan was a man's-man, and his friendship will be cherished by me forever.
Goodbye my friend.
Tony Longo
AJL SEMPER FI
