Remembering Danny Donohue

Former CSEA President Danny Donohue was a towering figure in the labor movement, a fearless advocate for working people and a beloved friend to so many people. On this page are articles, photos and tributes to Danny’s bold leadership and his unwavering fight for fairness, dignity, and respect for all workers.

In Memory of Danny Donohue

This bench in honor of Danny Donohue, donated by Danny’s family, sits in the Town of Colonie’s The Crossings. CSEA Town of Colonie members installed the bench.

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Danny_Donohue_speaks_at_indoor_rally_2009

Learn about Danny’s service

Former CSEA President Danny Donohue led CSEA for more than 25 years and was the longest-serving president in our union’s history and one of the most influential labor leaders of his generation. Rising from his roots as a “truck driver from Brooklyn,” he never lost his blunt style of speaking, quick wit or deep commitment to the people he served. He was bold, unafraid to speak his mind and never hesitant to take on a fight when CSEA members were being treated unfairly.


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Danny Donohue speaks at the 2010 ADM.
Danny Donohue, second from right, leads a vigil in 2002 to remember those lost one year earlier on 9/11.
Danny Donohue as Long Island Region President in the 1980s.
Shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, Danny Donohue examines the World Trade Center site with New York Secretary of State Randy Daniels, left, and Gov. George E. Pataki, right.
From left, Danny Donohue greets U.S. President Barack Obama.
Danny Donohue leads our union in the march to the State Capitol during the 2009 March for Main Street.
Danny Donohue, right, greets former U.S. President Bill Clinton, left, at the 2001 ADM in Buffalo.
In 2000, Danny Donohue shakes Gov. George E. Pataki’s hand as Pataki signs the law giving public retirees a permanent
cost-of-living allowance (COLA).
Danny Donohue throws out the first pitch at an Albany Diamond Dogs game in the late 1990s.
In 2016, Long Island Developmental Disabilities Services Office/Sagamore Children’s Psychiatric Center Local members Joseph Alexander (now a former member) and Cinceria Parkinson speak with Danny Donohue during Danny’s region office visit.
Montgomery County Auto Mechanic Technician Rick Dingman, left, speaks with Danny Donohue about members’ cleanup efforts following Hurricane Irene in 2011.
In this 2009 file photo, during the 99th Annual Delegates Meeting in Buffalo, Danny Donohue leads CSEA officers and delegates in a demonstration in front of Erie County’s Rath Building to protest the dismantling of county services and disrespect of union members.
Danny Donohue poses with his wife Irene at his 2019 retirement dinner in Albany.
Danny Donohue and State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli at the 2011 CSEA/AFSCME Lobby Day.
Danny Donohue works CSEA’s table at the 2019 New York State Fair.
CSEA President Danny Donohue speaks at the 2006 Women’s Conference in Tarrytown.
CSEA President speaks out at a conference, circa 2000.
Danny Donohue speaks at a 2003 rally. Behind him is CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan.

Tributes to Danny Donohue

“He taught us what it means to lead. He showed us that leadership isn’t about position or power, it’s about standing up, speaking out and staying strong even when the odds are against you. He believed in the CSEA membership. He believed in you. He believed in your courage and your service and your integrity.”

— CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan

“For over 40 years, Danny Donohue fought tirelessly for working people, serving 26 historic years as president of CSEA Local 1000. He never gave up. He never backed down. We’re keeping his family and loved ones in our hearts during this difficult time.” 

— Gov. Kathy Hochul 

“Danny Donohue was one of the most gifted and effective labor leaders New York has ever seen, and his friendship and support always meant so much to me. My condolences are with his wife, Irene, his family, and the countless other New Yorkers who are better off because of Danny.” 

— State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli 

“At the end of the day he really was a truck driver from Brooklyn at his heart. He had time for everyone, and he would talk to anyone. Danny was a giant. He was a leader within the entire American labor movement. We have got to emulate everything that Danny stood for. It is up to all of us.”

—AFSCME President Lee Saunders

“He used to refer to himself as a truck driver from Brooklyn. I said, ‘No. You’re a labor leader. He had a quick wit and a heart of gold, but also a spine of steel when it came to fighting for his union and fighting for his members.”

—NYS AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Terry Melvin

“Danny was a tireless and passionate advocate who always put the needs of his members first. His larger-than-life personality was a perfect match for his deep commitment to the people he served. Danny will be profoundly missed.” 

— NYS AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento 

“May you always have a clean shirt, a clear conscience and enough money to buy me a Jameson. That was an old Irish proverb that was liberally edited by Danny Donohue. Slan go foill, Danny. Goodbye for now, my friend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Danny’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

—Former Pearl Insurance President Gary Hickey

“His actions taught us that a united union is a powerful union. Danny just didn’t lead CSEA, he lived it. His commitment and his dedication to the members never wavered.” 

—CSEA Special Assistant to the President Fran Turner

“I would like to thank Danny Donohue because without Danny Donohue, CSEA/VOICE wouldn’t have had the support that we’ve had from day one. He believed in us early childhood educators and he supported us from day one. Thank you so much. May you rest in peace.”

—CSEA/VOICE Suffolk Chapter Representative Darcel Leone