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Henry Charles ("Charlie") Donivan passed away after a brief illness on Tuesday, October 6, 2009. He was preceded in death by his wife, Flora, in 2004. Born in Pine Hill, NY on March 25, 1918, Charlie was an aerospace pioneer whose career started in 1947 in Ft. Bliss, TX working with Wernher von Braun on the German V series rockets brought over from Germany after WWII. He then worked on the Redstone missile project at White Sands Missile Range. Later he joined the Apollo Mission at the Manned Spacecraft Center in Clear Lake City, TX where he tested the lunar module engines in preparation for the lunar landing. He retired some time after Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. An avid fly fisherman, he could pluck fish out of streams that most would think impossible. He loved the outdoors until his age wouldn't permit the exertion anymore. Charlie was much loved by all and shall be sorely missed. Mr. Donivan is survived by his five children, Junith (Larry), David, Stephen(Mary), John (Jo-Ann) and Robert(Shirley); four grandchildren, Michelle, Michael (Lisa), Steve, Nick and three great-grandchildren, BreAnna, Sean and Reid. The family would like to thank his care-giver, Bernard Tolentino, whose gentle help made it possible for Charlie to remain in his home until his final days. There will be a private celebration of his life on Sunday, October 18, 2009. Call David Donivan at 505 697-9179 for details.
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