Senator James Donovan is best known for his 14-year service as chairman of the Senate Education Committee of New York. However, James Donovan had many other roles as well, including chairman of both the Committee on Roads and Public Works, and the Committee on Mental Hygiene and Addiction Control. During his time as senator, Donovan also worked to reduce teenage pregnancy and promote literacy in teens throughout New York.

When he passed away at the age of 66, it was described as a “tremendous loss,” and the governor of New York added that Donovan’s “courageous struggle to overcome his illness served as an inspiration to us all.”

James Donovan is best known for his role as New York State Senator, but he contributed his state and his country in many additional ways as well. He served as chairman of the Senate Education Committee, the chairman of the Committee on Roads and Public Works, and the Committee on Mental Hygiene and Addiction Control. He created the New York City School Construction Authority, and served two tours of duty as a marine in World War II as well.

When Senator James Donovan passed away, Ralph J. Marino said “Jim Donovan’s most lasting contribution will be in the area of education, where he assured that quality and affordable education was the state’s top priority.”