LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Donald Led Duke posthumously upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Albany-Colo-
nie Regional Chamber of Commerce

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor those
distinguished individuals whose lifework and civic endeavor served to
enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great State of
New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Donald Led Duke posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce
on Thursday, March 10, 2011; and
WHEREAS, Donald Led Duke founded and chaired the BBL Companies; his
contributions to the Capital Region are to be meritoriously honored; and
WHEREAS, Donald Led Duke began his career as a mason; he dreamed of
starting his own business and established a small masonry company on a
part-time basis and from there he founded a general contracting firm and
was one of the very first to embrace the design/build approach for
construction projects; in 1983, he merged his firm to create Barry,
Bette & Led Duke; and
WHEREAS, This company and its successor, BBL Construction Services,
grew under Donald Led Duke's unwavering passion, leadership and wisdom
to become one of the largest design/build firms in New York; and
WHEREAS, The presence of Donald Led Duke and BBL can be seen not only
in Albany's skyline but in over 20 states throughout the United States;
the company completes 50 to 75 jobs a year and is consistently ranked as
one of the Top 100 Design/Build firms in the nation by ENGINEERING NEWS
RECORD; and
WHEREAS, Donald Led Duke was passionate about the company, its success
and the success of his employees; he had a strong presence in the office
with a hands on approach and continuously worked toward providing oppor-
tunities for the company by building relationships with customers,
employees, subcontractors and the community; and
WHEREAS, Having a strong connection to the Capital Region and espe-
cially the City of Albany, Donald Led Duke always wanted to give back to
the community; he was a charismatic person known for his generosity and
was proud to support charitable organizations in the community; he was a
man larger than life, admired and respected by all who knew him; and
WHEREAS, Among the several projects that were constructed under Donald
Led Duke's leadership, the most notable include: the NYS Comptroller's
Office; MVP Healthcare Headquarters; CDPHP Headquarters; 677 Broadway;
Albany County Family Court; Alfred E. Smith Building renovation; St.
Peter's Hospital Patient Tower; New Scotland Avenue Redevelopment; Green
Island Park; Columbia Circle; Glens Falls Hospital; Siena College;
Empire Commons; and hotels in Saratoga Springs, Troy and Albany; and
WHEREAS, Today, the BBL Family of Companies delivers a wide range of
construction projects specializing in design/build, construction manage-
ment and general contracting; their focus is on commercial, medical,
hospitality, educational and government construction projects; BBL's
affiliate companies include: BBL Carlton, BBL Medical Facilities, BBL
Management, BBL Campus Development and BBL Hospitality; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Donald Led Duke is survived by his
wife, Mary Louise, his four sons, Don, Spencer, Scott, and Slade, and
eight grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Donald Led Duke leaves

behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will
remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Donald Led Duke posthumously upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition by the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of
Commerce; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Donald Led Duke.