Raymond J. Donovan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Raymond J. Donovan
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| 17th United States Secretary of Labor | |
| In office February 4, 1981 – March 15, 1985 |
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| President | Ronald Reagan |
| Preceded by | Ray Marshall |
| Succeeded by | Bill Brock |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Raymond James Donovan
August 31, 1930 Bayonne, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | June 2, 2021 (aged 90) New Vernon, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Catherine Sblendorio
(m. 1957) |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Notre Dame Seminary (BA) |
| Occupation | Business executive, politician |
Raymond James Donovan (born August 31, 1930 – died June 2, 2021) was an American businessman and a government official. He worked as the U.S. Secretary of Labor for President Ronald Reagan. This job meant he was in charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, which helps workers and businesses. He served from 1981 to 1985. He left his job after being accused of certain actions. However, he was later found not guilty in 1987.
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Early Life and Education
Raymond Donovan was born in Bayonne, New Jersey, on August 31, 1930. He was one of twelve children in his family. Sadly, both his parents passed away by the time he was 18 years old.
He went to St. Peter's Preparatory School. After that, he studied at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, Louisiana. He thought about becoming a priest. But after he finished college in 1952, he went back to Bayonne. He wanted to help take care of his younger brothers and sisters.
Starting His Career
Donovan's first job was unpacking Ballantine beer trucks. He also became a member of the electrical workers union. Later, he worked for the American Insurance Company until 1959.
In 1959, he joined the Schiavone Construction Company. He became a vice president there. His job included dealing with workers, managing money, and handling real estate. In 1971, he was promoted to executive vice president.
Working for the Government
President Ronald Reagan chose Raymond Donovan to be the Secretary of Labor. He started this important job on February 4, 1981.
While he was Secretary, Donovan made some changes. He reduced the number of people working in the department. He also lowered the department's budget. He changed some rules for businesses, especially those related to worker safety. This included changes to how the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) was enforced. He also updated rules about wages and retirement plans for workers.
Donovan often had disagreements with leaders of worker unions. He followed President Reagan's idea of having less government control over businesses. Union leaders felt these changes might reduce protections for workers. They believed it would undo some improvements they had worked hard to achieve.
He left his position on March 15, 1985. This was after he was accused of certain actions. He was the first person serving in the President's Cabinet to be accused while in office. However, he was later found not guilty of the accusations in 1987.
Later Life and Interests
Raymond Donovan owned half of the Schiavone Construction Company. He kept this ownership until the company was sold in 2007. He also helped start and owned part of the Fiddler's Elbow Country Club.
He was known for giving money to support education and the Catholic Church. He also helped with a local program. This program worked to help people who had been wrongfully convicted prove their innocence.
Family Life
Raymond Donovan married Catherine Sblendorio in 1957. They were married until he passed away. They had three children together: Kenneth, Mary Ellen, and Keith.
Donovan passed away on June 2, 2021, at his home in New Vernon, New Jersey. He was 90 years old. He had been dealing with heart problems before he died.
See also
In Spanish: Raymond J. Donovan para niños
