BEDFORD HILLS, N.Y. — Eugene L. Hammer III, president and general manager of the commercial HVAC company Atlantic Westchester Inc., died June 13 with his wife of 33 years, Lisa, and his brother, David, at his side. He had fought a short but courageous battle with leukemia, the company said in a prepared statement.

Hammer, widely known as Bud, was remembered as a giving and thoughtful man who will be missed and remembered by the many people whose lives he touched.

Always kind and quick with a grin, Hammer was the consummate cheerleader who loved to talk and engage in deep conversations on any topic that piqued his curiosity, the company said. Forthright and honest, he was focused on lifting others up and helping them be the best version of themselves, the company said.

With his wife, Hammer grew Atlantic Westchester from a mom-and-pop operation that had been started by his parents to a multi-faceted commercial and industrial HVAC enterprise offering intelligent, energy-efficient building-management systems, the company said. Under his leadership, Atlantic Westchester earned several prestigious awards and was recognized as a pioneer in environmentally friendly HVAC solutions.

A strong believer in giving back to the community, Hammer joined the United Way of Westchester and Putnam board in 2017 and was selected board chairman in 2020. He had also co-chaired its resource development committee and annual golf event.

He had a deep love for the New York Rangers, fast cars, classic rock and the blues, and the game of golf. He was rarely without his signature baseball cap, quick wit, willing attitude, and infectious smile, the company’s statement said.

A lifelong resident of Westchester County, Hammer was born in White Plains, N.Y. He graduated from Pace University, where he met his future wife and business partner, the former Lisa Fiorenza.

In addition to his wife and brother, Hammer is survived by sisters-in-law Megan Hammer and Laura Fiorenza; brother-in-law Frank Fiorenza; and many friends and colleagues.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the United Way of Westchester and Putnam at www.uwwp.org/give/.