Michael F. Bette

Bette, Michael F. LOUDONVILLE Michael F. Bette, 76, died Thursday, April 11, 2013. Born in the Bronx and raised on Long Island, he was the son of the late Alexander and Rosemary Reidy Bette. He attended Chaminade High School and Manhattan College. In 1973, Mr. Bette and his partner, Bob Barry, established the construction firm, Barry & Bette, Inc. After 10 successful years, he helped form Barry, Bette and Led Duke, Inc (BBL). In 1999, Mr. Bette became chairman of the Bette Companies and along with his sons formed Bette & Cring Construction Group, First Columbia, BBL Florida and BBLTexas, ensuring the continuation of the family's construction and real estate development businesses. Mr. Bette's many local projects include major work at the Empire State Plaza, Siena, SUNY Albany, Albany College of Pharmacy, Albany Medical Center, St. Peter's Hospital and Ellis Hospital. Michael Bette was elected to the board of trustees at both Manhattan College and Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and was presented a degree of doctor of humane letters from both institutions. In addition to work, Mr. Bette understood the value of spending time with his family. He coached youth sports and was a Scoutmaster at Troop 48 in Clifton Park. He loved Lake George and spending time with family and friends at his home on Cleverdale. Known as "Opa" to his grandchildren, Michael was equally proud of each and will be missed by them all. An avid golfer for most of his life, he learned the game as a caddy at Bethpage and was a member at Schuyler Meadows, Glens Falls Country Club and the Everglades Club. Mr. Bette will be known not only as an entrepreneur, but for his generous philanthropy. He supported many area organizations and was particularly interested in supporting organizations that provided services to area youth and those less fortunate. Bette served as past board member of Hope House, the Twin Rivers Council, Boy Scouts of America, Albany College of Pharmacy and his alma mater, Manhattan College. He was the dear husband of Mary Ann Harding Bette; beloved father of Matthew Bette (Lisa), Kevin Bette (Kathleen), Peter Bette (Patricia), Ann Marie Parker (William), Christopher Bette (Anne), Mark Bette (Gina) and Suzanne Bette; cherished grandfather of Patrick, Catherine, Brendan and Brian, Nathaniel, Michael, Madeline and Cecelia, Nicholas, Rebekah, Mary Elizabeth and William, Alexander and Julia, Emily and Sarah; brother of Ellen Andrews. Funeral services, Friday, April 19, 2013 at 10 a.m., at St. Pius X Church, Loudonville, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands will immediately follow the Mass. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Thursday, April 18, 2013 from 4 to 7 p.m., at St. Pius X Church. Those wishing to remember Michael Bette in a special way may send a contribution to Catholic Charities, 40 N. Main Ave., Albany, NY 12203 or St. Peter's Hospital Foundation, 319 S. Manning Blvd., Suite 114, Albany, NY 12208. To leave a message for the family on their guest book, obtain a prayer card, or directions, please visit McveighFuneralHome.com