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.
