Obituary of Donovan Stennis Cassidy Williams

Donovan Stennis Cassidy Williams, age 57, of St. Paul, Minnesota, passed away on the morning of Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at M Health Fairview University Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

He was born on January 1, 1966, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Robert Clarence Williams and Shirley Stennis Williams who instilled in him an appreciation of knowledge and sharing education. He was the oldest brother and an explorer and adventurer at heart.

Donovan met Gregory Paul Williams Cassidy online in Dec. 2001 and after many adventures and fun-filled years together they were united in marriage on May 28, 2022, in the heart of St Paul, Minnesota in a private and beautiful ceremony. Prior to meeting his husband, Greg, Donovan attended the Univ1ersity of Madison in Madison, Wisconsin. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Spanish Education. Donovan followed in the footsteps of his parents, maternal grandparents and great grandfather by becoming a teacher. He worked in the Madison Metropolitan School System, the Milwaukee Public Schools System, the Minneapolis School District before completing his career at Stillwater Area Public Schools. During Donovan’s professional career he was unique in completing not just one but two master’s degrees. The first in computer education at Colombia University and the second a Master of Arts in Spanish at Middlebury College. Donovan was a teacher by genetics and by nature, he enjoyed sharing knowledge with his students and his loved ones. A simple way to find something out was to pose a question about a topic to him and you would shortly have a relevant article or history of the topic in your inbox. Donovan ultimately retired from teaching due to the physical and logistical pressures of needing both a kidney and heart transplant, which slowed him down but did not stop his adventures.

Never one to be idle, Donovan explored life to the fullest. He loved to travel and was on a quest with his husband Greg to visit every state in the USA. He also loved to travel internationally, with Mexico being one of his favorite destinations as it incorporated travel and his love of the Spanish language. He played both the piano and trumpet, much to the delight of his Mother and consternation of his brother. He was active in Boy Scouts and 4-H. Two interests that he developed and nurtured early in life were computers and movies/TV Shows. These interests developed in different aspects of his life. His interest in computers led Donovan to achieve a master’s degree in computer education and incorporate this expertise into his professional career, for a time, as both a Computer and Spanish Teacher. His love of movies/TV Shows took deep root in his life as he loyally attended the Wisconsin Film Festival, the Free Range Film Festival and other film festivals in the Minnesota area. Many of his friends remember fondly his attendance and hosting of the Oscars Parties.

He was active in the community, with his family and friends. A few examples are that he volunteered with Kidney Transplant support groups as a Facilitator and participant. He also pursued hobbies in gardening, computers, and traveling.

Donovan was an original ‘foodie’. He loved to try new restaurants, especially Mexican cuisine, but was open to just about anything. He definitely had opinions on what was good and what was not and loved to share and compare notes with others on their food exploits. Donovan’s adventures continued even in his own home as he was an avid and adventuresome cook. He perfected his art at a young age on the unsuspecting taste buds of his younger brother, parents and friends as he experimented with new concoctions and recipes. His kitchen was his ‘laboratory’ and ‘playground’.

The family would like to thank the compassionate staff at M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital. They would also like to express their gratitude to Donovan’s nephrologist, Dr. Rajiv Shah, for his many years of devoted care to Donovan over the last fifteen plus years. His knowledge and support were invaluable to the family and his dedication and friendship to Donovan as a patient were unparalleled.

Tragically the love of Donovan’s life, Gregory Paul Williams Cassidy of Minneapolis, Minnesota, passed away shortly after Donovan.

Donovan is survived by his brother Rodger Stennis (Sandy) Williams of Fitchburg, Wisconsin; aunts Carol Pickett and Barbara Puckett of Chicago, Illinois; cousins, Harlan Williams of Houston, Texas, Bretton (Stephannie) Williams and LaNelle (Mounir) Williams of Columbus, Ohio, Chris Puckett, Eric Puckett, Thomas Deneral Brown, Carol Felicia (Kevin) Davy of Chicago, Illinois; a host of family members and cherished in-laws. He is also survived by the ‘niece of his heart’ – Alexis Costa.

A Celebration of Life to celebrate the lives of Donovan and Greg will be held on June 1, 2024 in Fitchburg, WI. A repast will take place during the Celebration. In order to properly plan, please notify Rodger Williams at Celebrationoflife@spectrum.net if you’re planning to attend the Celebration of Life.

Flowers and cards are welcome in memory of Donovan. Alternately the family will be starting a fund to support movies in honor of Donovan’s love of his favorite independent film festivals: contributions, flowers or cards may be sent to Rodger Williams, 5738 Schumann Dr., Fitchburg, WI 53711