In Memoriam: Michael William Donovan
(June 11, 1974 – August 22, 2025)
Michael William Donovan of Escondido, California, and Elmira, New York, died on Friday, August 22, 2025, at age 51, after a courageous battle with metastatic colon cancer.
Mike was the founder, owner, and lead engineer of 760 Display, an exhibit, event, and activation marketing company headquartered in Vista, California. He launched the business in his garage in 2002 and spent more than two decades growing it into a trusted, family-run firm serving clients across the country. In 2022, he expanded operations to Elmira Heights, New York, by purchasing the former Fawn Beverage Company building. The expansion brought his entrepreneurial spirit back to his hometown and allowed him to employ people with ‘maker’ skills.
Mike began his career sweeping floors at a small tradeshow exhibit manufacturer and worked his way up through bench craftsmanship and general management roles. He made lifelong friends at Exhibitron, including his future wife and lifelong business partner, Aimee Donovan. Known for his integrity, resourcefulness, and hands-on approach, Mike was widely respected as a leader, problem-solver, and friend in the exhibit and events community.
Mike was born on June 11, 1974, in Elmira, New York, to Mary Louise Dunn Donovan and William “Bill” Donovan. Measuring 24 inches long and weighing 12 pounds at birth, he proudly held Elmira’s record for largest newborn. He was raised in a close-knit neighborhood where kids played outside until the streetlamps came on. A true Gen X upbringing inspired his lifelong love of skateboarding, snowboarding, and cycling.
“That’s Mike heritage. It’s where he found his spirit, and became the greatest combination of his mother’s creativity, his father’s pragmatic fix anything-ness, and his sister’s cool vibe,” said family and friends.
In 1992, Mike and his first wife, Kimberly, welcomed daughter Haeley Donovan. Soon after, the family relocated to Escondido, California. Mike often said that Haeley “provided the rudder to his ship.” The two remained best friends throughout his life and later worked side by side at 760 Display. “Mike was never happier than working with his wife and daughter in their family business,” according to family and friends.
Outside of work, Mike’s passions were many. Growing up near the Watkins Glen International racetrack sparked his enthusiasm for cars and racing. In 2023, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by racing there himself. Whether biking, fishing, or snowboarding, he found joy in movement and the outdoors, and he always made time to share those experiences with others, especially during his frequent travels for client events.
Mike is survived by his wife, Aimee Donovan (Rials); daughter, Haeley Donovan; granddaughter, Poppy Highland; son-in-law, Kevin Highland; sister, Louise Bailey (Ben Covey); mother, Mary Louise Dunn Donovan; father, William “Bill” Donovan; and grandfather, Paul John Dunn. He is also survived by bonus siblings Jason Brown (Krista), Damien Cleveland (Kristen), RJ Cleveland (Lynn), Cara Cleveland (Brooke), and Michael Amisano (Irena); and by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his stepmother, Aggie Donovan; uncle, Gene Hourihan; uncle, Jerry Utter; and cousin, Daniel Utter.
Mike will be remembered for his charisma, generosity, and unwavering loyalty to family, both blood and chosen. His word was his bond, and he gave freely of his time, wisdom, and heart. As one lifelong friend put it: “If we are all able to love ourselves half as much as that guy loves each and every one of us, we would have the strength to be our best selves every single day.”
Mike, as a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, undeniably found his best self and helped others do the same.
Those wishing to honor Mike’s memory may make a donation to one of the following organizations:
• Great Cycle Challenge
• Colorectal Cancer Alliance
