Donovan Gerard Rankin

Donovan Gerard Rankin of Philadelphia passed away peacefully Thursday, October 22, 2026 in the early morning at the age of 88 after a short battle with cancer.

Donovan was born and raised in the Mount Airy section of Philadelphia. He was the beloved son of John Anthony and Margaret Mary Egan Rankin.

Donovan is survived by his son Donovan Jr. and his cherished Granddaughter Audrey. Additionally, he is survived by his younger sisters Sheila Rankin Banfe and Margaret (Peggy) Rankin Brooks.

He is preceded in death by his brothers John, James, Arthur, Kevin, Barry Rankin and his sisters Eileen Rankin Paulmeno and Maureen Rankin Farrell. Lastly, he was affectionately known as Uncle Donny to his well over two dozen nieces and nephews.

Donovan attended Holy Cross Grade School in Mount Airy and North Catholic High School where he was honored as an All-Catholic Quarterback. His senior year he led the North Catholic Falcons Football Team to the 1956 Philadelphia “City Title” Championship game over the Public Leagues leader, Lincoln High School, at a packed JFK Stadium in South Philadelphia. He was also honored and placed into North Catholic’s Sports Hall of Fame.

His joyful smile and upbeat personality were contagious to all those who were around him. He worked hard his entire life and became a successful entrepreneur. He left Philadelphia for California for nearly 25 years in the late 1950’s before returning to the Philadelphia area in the mid 1980’s. Upon his return he worked in the newly created and built casino business in Atlantic City, NJ. Later in life he worked for Atomic Industries and Veritas Medical Solutions in Harleysville PA, both were family-owned Business’s. Most recently, until the age of 87, he worked for WAWA in Skippack, PA where he was cherished by his co-workers and customers alike.

Donovan was and still is dearly loved by his family and will be greatly missed by all.

A viewing will be held Thursday, October 29, 2026, 9:00AM at St. Genevieve Church, 1225 Bethlehem Pike, Flourtown, PA 19031. Funeral Mass 10:00AM. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Following the burial, a reception will be held at Flourtown Country Club, 150 McCloskey Rd., Flourtown, PA 19031.