Annual Labor of Love event recognizes lost volunteer

United Way of Eastern La Salle County is dedicating its 23rd annual Labor of Love home repair program, Saturday, Oct. 4, to Devin D. Donovan. Donovan, dedicated friend of Labor of Love and owner and operator of A&E Plumbing in Marseilles, passed away March 23, at the age of 40.

Donovan stepped forward to lend his support to Labor of Love in 2010, volunteering as part of the plumbing team. His skills as a plumber-contractor helped repair serious plumbing problems and to transform the homes of many low-income homeowners throughout eastern La Salle County. In 2013 he joined Labor of Loves leadership board. Donovan assumed the responsibility of previewing all plumbing malfunctions at each of the Labor of Love homes and provided valuable feedback as to which homes and homeowners needed help the most.

Devin was an amazing person. He was hilarious, good-hearted and was always there whenever you needed him, reflected Jeff Brodbeck, of OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center and United Ways board chairman. I always thought of him as an artist when it came to his plumbing his attention to detail was second to none. When I asked him to help with Labor of Love, he didnt hesitate before saying yes and every year after that became more and more involved. Thats just how he was always wanted to help people however he could. We miss him terribly every day. Donovan and Brodbeck were brother-in-laws.

Bill King, owner of Illinois Valley Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling and Labor of Love plumbing coordinator from 2005 to 2013, recognized Donovan as a well respected plumber and a tremendous asset to United Ways Labor of Love program.

What a great guy. Devin always had a smile on his face. He truly enjoyed assisting homeowners through Labor of Love. He never cared how long it took to complete a job, and he never hesitated to take on a nitty-gritty job that others would shy away from, King said.

He recalled a Labor of Love home that Donovan and he stayed late at, well into the evening, to make sure an elderly homeowner had water.

Devin never looked for recognition or gratitude; he was simply devoted to lending a hand to people who needed help. I am proud to have had the opportunity to work alongside him.

It is an honor to dedicate this years Labor of Love in memory of Devin Donovan, said Shelli Ocepek, United Ways executive director.

Devin dedicated countless hours to Labor of Love each year. His genuine and deep concern for the well-being of others was a testament of his character. Devins absence at this years Labor of Love will be felt by many of us at Saturdays Labor of Love. Together, with members of his family, we will celebrate Devin, his belief in Labor of Love and his unwavering spirit of giving, Ocepek remarked.

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Annual Labor of Love event recognizes lost volunteer