Boston College Athletics
Boston College Mourns the Passing of Bill Donovan '62
February 17, 2026 | Men's Basketball
Donovan, 85, graduated in 1962 as the third all-time leading scorer in Eagles history; inducted into BCVC Hall of Fame in 2000
CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. – The Boston College men's basketball program is devastated to learn of the sudden passing of Bill Donovan '62 and sends its sincerest condolences to the Donovan family; as well as the many lives and communities Bill had impacted throughout his life during this difficult time. Donovan, 85, graduated as the third all-time leading scorer in Boston College men's basketball history, earning an induction into the Boston College Varsity Club Hall of Fame in 2000. Donovan also served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
A native of Queens, New York, Donovan was a three-year starter and team captain in his senior season for Boston College – totaling 1,012 points in his collegiate career to become just the fourth 1,000-point scorer in school history. Alongside fellow Hall of Famer, Jim Hooley, Donovan led the Eagles to a combined 40-29 record during his tenure while averaging 14.5 points per game over the course of his career. Donovan's calling card during his playing days was his specialty as an outside shooter; a skillset widely considered ahead of his time.
Married to his high school sweetheart, Joan, for 63 years, Donovan had three kids, including Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan, who helped Providence reach the NCAA Final Four in 1987 and coach Florida to 14 NCAA tournament appearances in 19 years and back-to-back championships in 2006-07.
A native of Queens, New York, Donovan was a three-year starter and team captain in his senior season for Boston College – totaling 1,012 points in his collegiate career to become just the fourth 1,000-point scorer in school history. Alongside fellow Hall of Famer, Jim Hooley, Donovan led the Eagles to a combined 40-29 record during his tenure while averaging 14.5 points per game over the course of his career. Donovan's calling card during his playing days was his specialty as an outside shooter; a skillset widely considered ahead of his time.
Married to his high school sweetheart, Joan, for 63 years, Donovan had three kids, including Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan, who helped Providence reach the NCAA Final Four in 1987 and coach Florida to 14 NCAA tournament appearances in 19 years and back-to-back championships in 2006-07.
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