Inducted on November 5, 1978
Jimmy Donato was born in Mt. Vernon, New York on November 10, 1908. He boxed as an amateur in 1928, his first bout having taken place in Jersey City as part of the New York Golden Gloves Daily News Tournament. Jimmy also turned pro in 1928. A sidelight to his career – his first pro fight in 1928, and his last pro fight in 1935, were both held in the Ocean View A.A. in Long Branch, New Jersey.
Donato boxed in the lightweight division and met most of the best fighters in his era. He fou Ernie Ratner, Tippy Larkin, Mickey Greb, ‘id Lampe, Bert Eisner, Charlie Wells, Al ROEsL Mickey Parenti, Willie Cubic, Johnny Brennan. Ralph Fulton, George Levy, Andy Thomas, Les Smith, Jimmy Palumbo, add Sollie LaFuria. Quite an array of top fistie talent indeed.
Jimmy Donato served honorably with the United States Army for 24 years. He was also active for a time in the construction field. He is a charter member of Ring 34, Long Branch, Nell” Jersey. He is known as “Mr. Red Bank” and presently resides in Middletown, New Jersey. A credit to the sport of boxing and a fine gentleman, we welcome his induction into the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame.