Throughout his life, Senator James H. Donovan worked to improve education for children and teens. He also aimed to reduce teenage pregnancy. When he passed away in 1990, his death was described as a “tremendous loss” by Ralph J. Marino, the New York governor at the time.
Senator Donovan’s contributions to the state included being the chairman of the Senate Education Committee, chairman of the Committee on Roads and Public Works, and the Committee on Mental Hygiene and Addiction Control. Donovan also helped establish the New York City School Construction Authority.