Donovan Fitzgerald Bennett, 54, of Edgartown, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. He was the husband of Marva Bennett and father of Ayinde Bennett and Aliyah Bennett.
Donovan was born on Sept. 14, 1966, at Revival, Sheffield, in Westmoreland, Jamaica. He was the son of Alton Bennett and Elaine Shaw-Banton.
He grew up in the parish of Hanover, Jamaica, graduated from the Rusea’s High School, and later completed his studies at the Montego Bay Community College and Duffs Business College.
In the late 1990s he immigrated to the U.S. After spending a few years in Florida, he moved to Nantucket, where he lived and worked. He later met and married Marva, and moved to Martha’s Vineyard where he lived until his death.
As a boy, he was an avid football fan and player himself. He participated in athletics including the 400 meters; this was his pet event.
His hobbies included watching sports (football, baseball, and cricket), listening to or watching the news, and talking with friends. He will be remembered for his humbleness, kindness, joviality, and his charismatic, smiling face — a people person who went all out to take care of his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife Marva Bennett; his parents Alton Bennett and Elaine Shaw-Banton; son Ayinde Bennett; daughter Aliyah Bennett; stepchildren Monique, Andre; and Donomar, and step-grandchildren; brothers Ainsley Bennett, Leighton Bennett, Leroy Banton, and Christopher Banton; sisters Donna Thompson, Christine Banton, Patricia Banton-Thomas, Anne, and Charmaine; and by aunts, uncles, cousins, and a host of friends here in the U.S. and Jamaica.
Visitation in Chapman Funerals and Cremations, Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs, will be held on Saturday, August 28, from 9:30 to 11 am followed by a funeral service. Burial will be in the New Westside Cemetery, Robinson Road, Edgartown.
Visit chapmanfuneral.com for online tributes and information.
