PITTSTOWN — CSEA is mourning the loss of Capital Region member Robert Bornt, 54, who died May 30 following injuries sustained in a worksite incident a day earlier.
Bornt, a highway maintenance supervisor and president of CSEA’s Rensselaer County Unit, Department of Transportation (DOT) Residency was in a work zone on State Route 7 in Pittstown when he was struck by a vehicle. Bornt sustained severe injuries and was airlifted to Albany Medical Center, where he died the next day.
New York State Police and PESH are investigating the incident.
Bornt was committed to his work, family and serving his community from union officer to Fire Chief in his hometown, Hoosick Falls. He was a volunteer member of the Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad and a softball coach who enjoyed hunting and snowmobiling.
News of Bornt’s death prompted an outpouring of condolences and renewed calls for increased work zone safety and public awareness.
“On behalf of CSEA, my heart goes out to Robert’s family, loved ones and co-workers,” said CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan. “Our union members work on the roads to serve the public, not to put their lives on the line because of careless or reckless drivers. Robert Bornt’s death is a painful reminder that work zones are not just construction sites, they are workplaces. When drivers are less aware, they endanger real people with families.”
CSEA Capital Region President Shana Davis met with unit members in early June to offer support.
“An overwhelming sense of sorrow has enveloped the community of DOT Local 676, Unit 068331. The tragic loss of Unit President Robert Bornt has brought unimaginable grief, not only to our union, but their entire community,” said Davis. “Robert’s passing has left a void that words cannot begin to fill. Every worker goes to work with the expectation of returning home safely to their family. There are no words that can truly express the depth of collective heartbreak I experienced when visiting the members of Unit 068331. Robert’s loss is deeply felt by all who know him, worked beside him both as a Supervisor and Unit President.”
Davis noted that especially in light of workplace deaths, our union family stands strpng together.
“In times like these, we are reminded that our union is far more than an organization. We are a family bound by solidarity, compassion, and shared purpos,” said Davis. “We are deeply saddened when tragedies such as this occur. Our strength as a union lies in the ties that bind us, not only as activists but as union family. When one suffers, we all suffer. Together, we mourn, together we honor Robert’s memory and stand in support of all impacted.”
Bornt is survived by his wife, children, grandson, mother, sister and extended family. Services, including the Firemen’s Last Call Service, were held on June 7.
— Therese Assalian