Alfred DelBello

Alfred DelBello was an American politician, lawyer, and businessman who served as the first Democratic County Executive of Westchester County and later as the Lieutenant Governor of New York. A native of Yonkers, New York, he rose from local politics to statewide office, known for his progressive policies on the environment and regional planning. After leaving public service, he had a successful career in the private sector, notably as a partner at the law firm Whiteman Osterman & Hanna and as a founder of the energy company Starwood Energy Group.

Early life and education

Alfred DelBello was born on November 26, 1934, in Yonkers, New York, to parents of Italian-American heritage. He attended local Catholic schools before pursuing higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Iona College in New Rochelle. He then attended Fordham University School of Law, where he received his Bachelor of Laws degree and was admitted to the New York State Bar Association. His early legal career included work as an attorney in Westchester County, laying the groundwork for his future in public service.

Political career

DelBello's political career began in Yonkers, where he served on the Yonkers City Council before being elected as the city's mayor in 1969, taking office in 1970. As mayor, he focused on urban renewal and fiscal management. In 1973, he was elected as the County Executive of Westchester County, defeating Republican incumbent Edwin G. Michaelian and becoming the first Democrat to hold the position. During his tenure, he was a champion of environmental protection, helping to create the Westchester County Department of Planning and preserve open spaces like the Bronx River Parkway Reservation. In 1982, he was elected as Lieutenant Governor of New York on a ticket with Mario Cuomo, serving from 1983 until his resignation in December 1984 to return to the private sector.

Post-political career and business ventures

Upon resigning as lieutenant governor, DelBello joined the prominent Albany law firm Whiteman Osterman & Hanna, where he led the environmental and energy practice. He became a significant figure in the energy sector, co-founding the Starwood Energy Group, a private equity firm focused on power infrastructure investments. He also served on the boards of several corporations, including Con Edison and the New York Power Authority, and was involved with organizations like the Regional Plan Association. His business acumen was widely recognized, and he frequently advised on projects related to sustainable development and utility regulation.

Personal life and death

DelBello married Dolores D'Agostino in 1958, and the couple had three children. He maintained residences in Yonkers and later Purchase, New York, while being actively involved in community organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America. Alfred DelBello died from complications of Alzheimer's disease on May 15, 2015, at a hospital in Greenwich, Connecticut. His funeral was held at the Church of Saint John the Baptist in Yonkers, and he was interred at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, New York.

Legacy and honors

Alfred DelBello is remembered as a pioneering figure in New York State politics who broke partisan barriers in Westchester County and advocated for forward-thinking regional and environmental policies. The Alfred B. DelBello Open Space Award is presented annually by the Westchester County Parks Department in his honor. His contributions to energy policy and law were recognized by institutions like Pace University School of Law, and his career trajectory from local government to statewide office and successful business leadership remains a notable model in New York political history.

Category:1934 births Category:2015 deaths Category:American city mayors Category:Lieutenant Governors of New York Category:People from Yonkers, New York