“It’s hard to nail down any one thing that stood out during his long career,” Mr. Smith said. “Bill had such a great impact on so many of us for so long, and in so many ways. He possessed a deep knowledge of contracts and collective bargaining agreements, and he was a mentor to those who worked with him, including myself. He showed us how to negotiate CBAs that brought countless benefits to the membership. I miss working with him every day.”

Ross J. Pepe, founding president of the Construction Industry Council of Westchester & Hudson Valley, Inc., pointed to the numerous contributions Mr. Banfield made in management and labor relations. 

“As a representative of organized labor, Bill always bargained with a clear understanding of the needs of those on the other side of the negotiating table, where we, the contractors, and owners sat,” said Mr. Pepe, who also leads the Building Contractors Association of Westchester & The Mid-Hudson Region. “Bill did his best to consider the needs of the industry and what could be done to make the union contractors more competitive in the marketplace. The Tappan Zee replacement project was a clear example of successful negotiations and working together. Bill’s participation was an essential part of that success.”