The Donovan, Lazarus, Zinsmeyer, and Eurich families are devastated to share that Michael Maurice Donovan passed away on March 20th, 2026, from complications related to Marfan Syndrome. At only 38 years of age, this loving husband, son, brother, cousin, uncle and friend left us much too soon, but he will stay with us in rich memories.
In his toddler years, Mike had long blonde hair and an irresistible, mischievous grin. Later at Shady Hill School, he found his quiet but razor-sharp wit, which he hid behind a subtle smile and a spark in his eyes until the moment came for the perfect quip. From an early age, Mike also possessed something that many of us still search for: the ability to completely and comfortably be himself. This gave him a quiet charisma and unflappable kindness that is hard to describe but impossible to forget.
As a teenager, he became a leader on the lacrosse, soccer, and basketball teams at Beaver Country Day School, where he also uncovered a passion for English literature that stayed with him through his time at Occidental College. High school and college saw Mike form deep and lasting friendships, which only strengthened over the years. Mike gifted his friends and family with countless good memories through phone calls, weekend trips for bachelor parties and weddings, and “Cape Weekends,” where Mike hosted friends and family from as far as San Francisco. Although his brother, Sam, and cousin, Will, organized these events with him, often flustering themselves over the details of the weekend, it was Mike who made these gatherings special. He was the unquestioned exemplar of how to truly unwind.
In 2017, Mike met and quickly fell for the love of his life, Victoria Zinsmeyer, whom he married in 2024 in a beautiful ceremony at Harvard’s Fogg Art Museum. In Victoria, Mike found a steadfast partner, a shared devotion to each others’ families and their Corgi, Lola, a talented baker to complement his formidable cooking skills, and a companion on adventures from California to France to Mauritius. Victoria supported him through major surgeries, the first of which happened only a few months after they met. She also helped him find his professional calling. With support from Victoria and his family, Mike obtained a Masters degree from Endicott College in Applied Behavioral Analysis, becoming a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst. Through this training, Mike grew into a compassionate and skilled advocate for children with autism and other intellectual and behavioral challenges.
Mike will be remembered for his commitment to friends and family, incisive humor, curious mind, and his gentle, generous presence, which helped adults and children alike to feel at ease. He leaves behind his loving wife, Victoria Zinsmeyer Donovan, and their dog, Lola; his parents, Paul Donovan and Carol Lazarus; his brother, Samuel Donovan and his family; his cousin, William Eurich and his family; and many other loving family members and friends. A memorial service will be held for Mike at St. James Episcopal Church in Cambridge, MA on June 7th, 2026 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mike’s memory to The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism.
What promising young man! Condolences.