Obituary of Dr. Frank Forbes Donivan Jr.

Dr. Frank Forbes Donivan, Jr., of Oakton, VA passed away on November 18, 2023, at the age of 80.  Frank is survived by his wife of 56 years, Margaret and his daughters Laura Clark (Michael) of VA, and Erin Roundtree (Benjamin) of Germany, his beloved granddaughters, Elise and Emily Roundtree and by his sister, Sandra Borg (Erik) of Laguna Niguel, CA. 

Frank was born on October 19, 1943, in Inglewood, CA to Frank, Sr. and Daisy Lambert Donivan.  He graduated from UCLA in 1965 with a degree in Astronomy.  He received his PhD from the University of Florida in 1970 in Radio Astronomy.  He had a distinguished 50-year career in the Space industry, including employment at JPL, NASA, and The Aerospace Corporation.

Frank had a wonderful, friendly, outgoing personality.  He never knew a stranger and viewed life as a positive adventure.  He loved the Lord and was a member of Epiphany Anglican Church, a men’s Bible Study and a Home Group.  He rang bass handbells in the church’s handbell choir.  His interests included woodworking and growing prize-winning roses.

The memorial celebration of his life will be at Epiphany Anglican Church, 3863 Centerview Drive, Suite 100, Chantilly, VA on December 2, 2023, at 2pm.  A reception will follow.  All are welcome to attend.  He will be interred in a private ceremony in Laurel, MS.

As an expression of sympathy, contributions may be sent to support the ministry of Ben & Erin, music missionaries in Germany.  Roundtree Music/Artists in Christian Testimony Intl., P.O. Box 1649, Brentwood, TN 37024.