WILMINGTON — The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce awarded the Marvin S. Gilman Bowl to Lawrence J. DiSabatino, president of DiSabatino Construction Company, at the 26th annual Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business awards luncheon.

"Larry certainly reflects my father's legacy,” said Martha S. Gilman. “His commitment and involvement in our community have been tireless and well-respected. Larry is humble but without a doubt deserves today's recognition."

Named in memory of Marvin S. Gilman—who served as an exemplary leader and a paragon of small business in Delaware—the Gilman Bowl was established as a tribute to small business leadership. The identity of the recipient of the Gilman Bowl was kept confidential until its presentation at the awards ceremony.

“We were thrilled to learn that Larry would be honored with the Marvin S. Gilman Bowl this year,” said Brett Gilman Smith, Marvin S. Gilman’s grandson. “Larry’s continued commitment to creating affordable housing in Delaware, as well as his dedication to the community outside of his family business, will make a lasting impact for generations to come.”

Mr. DiSabatino, a fourth-generation builder in Delaware, founded DiSabatino Construction Company in 1981, recognizing the need for high-quality, merit-shop construction in the state.

Over the past 43 years under his leadership, DiSabatino Construction Company has grown into one of the state's top construction management and general contracting firms, known for delivering projects across a wide range of sectors.

Mr. DiSabatino has personally overseen more than $1.5 billion in construction projects, including complex laboratory facilities, commercial developments, and residential communities.

A major focus of Mr. DiSabatino’s career has been on affordable housing. His work has been instrumental in the construction and renovation of over 3,000 low-income and subsidized housing units. This includes notable projects like the Riverside Redevelopment and the Flats Redevelopment, where Mr. DiSabatino’s dedication to creating accessible, quality housing for underserved communities has made a big impact.

One of Mr. DiSabatino’s most impactful contributions came in 2023, when, after three years of advocacy, he helped secure $9 million in relief—officially known as the Delaware State Housing Authority Market Pressure Relief Fund—for small contractors affected by material price escalation during the COVID-19 pandemic. This fund was crucial for numerous subcontractors, many of whom were minority-owned businesses working on low-income housing projects.

In addition to his work in the construction industry, Mr. DiSabatino has devoted considerable time and energy to local nonprofit organizations. Mr. DiSabatino was a long-standing member of the Delaware State Chamber's Small Business Alliance and Superstars in Business Planning and Selection committees. His other volunteer leadership roles include serving as chairman for the American Cancer Society Talley Relay for Life, the Dickie Golf Outing for the Cancer Support Community, the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, and the Associated Builders and Contractors of Delaware.

“Through his service on our Small Business Alliance and the Superstars in Business planning and selection committees, Larry played an important role in highlighting the outstanding achievements of Delaware’s small businesses,” said Michael Quaranta, president of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce. “His dedication to giving back to his community demonstrates the kind of leadership we are proud to honor with the Gilman Bowl.”

The awards event also honored eight outstanding companies as Superstars in Business and Award of Excellence winners. Winner videos and event information can be found at DSCC.com/SuperstarsinBusiness. The program included remarks from Michael Meoli, president and CEO of The Meoli Companies.