our staff

Meet Our Caring Staff

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Jim Donovan

Owner/Funeral Director

Jim has worked in the funeral business since he was in high school. In the years following, he has come to help thousands of families at their time of loss. Since starting Donovan Funeral Home in 2003, he has made it his mission to help the residents of Tallmadge and the surrounding areas to have the most dignified celebration of life for the families he serves.

Jim and his wife Julie have lived in Tallmadge most all their lives and together have raised three children in the community. Their children, James, Courtney, and Kendall, have all been active in the Tallmadge theater and choral programs and remain active in the community today.

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James L. Donovan

Funeral Director

James is a third generation funeral director. He has grown up in the family business and has been working at the funeral home since he was in high school. With a passion to help people like his grandfather and father before him, James is proud to work in the funeral business his family has built.

In his free time, James loves to run, hike, and go out to the movies. You may see him running races around the Akron area, out on the Freedom Trail, or hiking in the Summit Metro Parks.

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Sue Spangler

Administrative Assistant

Sue joined our staff in 2015. In her day-to-day she runs the office and directs staff. She treats every family that we service with the utmost care and professionalism. Sue works tirelessly to ensure every funeral has been properly scheduled and prepared for.

Sue and her husband Jim have two daughters, Rebecca and Cora. She enjoys spending time with her family and the great outdoors.

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Diane Huth

Administrative Assistant

Diane has been with Donovan Bagnoli Funeral Home for 15 years and in the funeral business for over 20. Apart from her day-to-day office duties, Diane helps maintain and plant all of the flowers around the funeral home on a yearly basis.

She has two daughters and six grandchildren who she absolutely adores spending time with. Diane is an active member of Wedgewood United Methodist Church in Ellet.

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Dru Tonies

Pre-Planning Counselor

Dru helps pre-arrange funerals with families. She helps walk people through all the necessary steps and takes time to understand their exact wishes. Upon meeting her you'll feel like you've known her forever with her friendliness and care.

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Don McMullen

Office Assistant

Don primarily runs and gets death certificates signed and certified on a daily basis. When he's not working on completing death certificates you can find him tending to the gardens around the funeral home, hanging holiday decorations, and sometimes helping with funeral services.