On April 28, CSEA and other unions around the world will remember those who have died or been seriously injured while doing their jobs.
Workers’ Memorial Day, observed since 1989, serves as an opportunity to mourn fallen workers. The AFL-CIO chose April 28 to coincide with the anniversary of the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.
This year, our union mourns the loss of the following members:
Jean Marsden, 58, a bus driver at the Holland Patent Central School District, passed away on March 7, 2025, injuries sustained from a collision during “white out” winter weather conditions while on the job.
Michael Simons-Iocona, 28, a field operations assistant 2 at Central New York DDSO, passed away March 31, 2025, from injuries sustained in a collision while on the job.
Timothy Frazier, a direct support assistant at Central New York DDSO, passed away May 27, 2025, after collapsing while providing vocational rehabilitation and job skills training to individuals.
Robert Bornt, 54, a highway maintenance supervisor at the state Department of Transportation and CSEA DOT Rensselaer County Residency Unit president, passed away May 30, 2025, after being struck by a vehicle while in a work zone.
Brian Perkins, 50, a direct support assistant at Central New York DDSO, passed away Aug. 21, 2025, after being discovered unresponsive in his chair while completing paperwork.
James Montanino, 72, a crossing guard at the City of Poughkeepsie Department of Public Works, passed away Sept. 29, 2025, from injuries sustained after being struck by a vehicle while on the job.
Titilayo M. Etuk, 50, a direct support assistant at Capital District DDSO, passed away Nov. 3, 2025, after collapsing while performing her job.
Peter Caufield, 54, a crew leader at the state Department of Transportation in Oswego County, passed away Nov. 28, 2025, after going into cardiac arrest while responding to a downed tree.
John Miro, 70, a crossing guard at the Nassau County Department of Police, passed away March 6, 2026, after being struck by an impaired driver. (See page 6 for more.)
In addition to remembering fallen workers, Workers’ Memorial Day is also a chance to renew our union’s ongoing commitment to safe and healthy workplaces.
While unions have been key to securing safer and healthier workplaces, there is still much work to do to ensure workplace safety.
CSEA members are encouraged to attend Workers’ Memorial Day events in their communities. Visit cseany.org and your region’s Facebook page for information on events in your area.