Bill Text: NY J02529 | 2023-2024 | General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourning the death of Don B. Lee, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 41-21)

Status: (Passed) 2024-05-21 - ADOPTED [J02529 Detail]

Download: New_York-2023-J02529-Introduced.html

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Senate Resolution No. 2529

BY: Senator CHU

        MOURNING  the  death  of Don B. Lee, distinguished
        citizen and devoted member of his community

  WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York  whose  lifework  and  civic  endeavor
served  to  enhance  the  quality  of life in their communities and this
great Empire State; and

  WHEREAS, Don B. Lee died on Monday, May 6, 2024, at the age  of  65;
and

  WHEREAS, In 1959, Don B. Lee was born in British Hong Kong; with his
single  father, he immigrated to New York City at the age of 10 and grew
up in Chinatown in Manhattan, New York; and

  WHEREAS, Don B. Lee graduated from New York University in  1985  and
started  his professional career as a public servant for the City of New
York, making significant  contributions  in  automating  operations  and
increasing   access  to  contracts  between  the  City  and  small-  and
medium-sized businesses; and

  WHEREAS, In the field of Information Technology (IT), Don  B.  Lee's
work, while serving as Chief Information Officer for the South Manhattan
Healthcare  Network, extended to the healthcare system, transforming the
IT system of Bellevue Hospital Center and other institutions; and

  WHEREAS, Don B.  Lee  was  also  a  passionate  community  activist,
advocating  for  the dignity and rights of Asian Americans; his activism
included serving on his local community board,  working  for  access  to
transportation for Asian American communities, and supporting businesses
in Chinatown; and

  WHEREAS,  Speaking  against  anti-Asian  activities during the COVID
pandemic,  Don  B.  Lee  empowered  the  members  of  his  community  to
courageously continue their daily activities and conduct their business;
and

  WHEREAS,  As  the  Homecrest Community Services Board Chair for more
than 20 years, Don B. Lee assisted in providing services  and  defending
the  rights  of  disadvantaged communities; this non-profit organization
serves immigrant seniors and their families in South Brooklyn, New York;
and

  WHEREAS, Throughout his lifetime, Don B. Lee enjoyed Asian  American
representation  and  Chinese cooking, conducting research into the diets
of Chinese Transcontinental Railroad workers; consequently, he presented
a cooking demonstration at railroad  commemorations  around  the  United
States; and

  WHEREAS,  To  many,  Don  B.  Lee is revered as a remarkable friend,
mentor, and community supporter and will be deeply  missed  by  everyone
who  was  fortunate to know him; his legacy of advocating for the rights

of Asian American communities will live  on  in  those  whose  lives  he
touched so meaningfully; and

  WHEREAS,  Armed  with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Don B. Lee 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
mourn the death of Don B. Lee, distinguished citizen and devoted  member
of his community; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to  the  family  of  Don  B.  Lee  and  Homecrest  Community
Services.