Page 2 - Work Force July-August 2024

Photo of the Month
CSEA mourns
Westchester County Unit
member Maria Coto
Onondaga County Local President Dan Vadala holds the ceremonial first pitch ball shortly before he threw it during the recent CSEA Day at the Syracuse Mets game. (Photo by Nicholas Newcomb.)
PEEKSKILL — Our union is mourning the death of Westchester County Unit member Maria Coto, 56, who died June 19 from injuries sustained when a resident brutally attacked her on May 14 while she was working in the Peekskill community.
Coto was conducting a visit
as part of her job as a senior caseworker for the county Department of Social Services when, according to reports, she approached the wrong door and the apartment’s occupant chased her into another apartment where he viciously assaulted her. The attack left Coto with a severe brain bleed, swelling of the brain and multiple facial fractures.
Peekskill police initially charged the assailant, Hasseem Jenkins, with second-degree attempted murder and first-degree assault. As this edition went to press, representatives from the Westchester County District Attorney’s office were expected to announce upgraded charges.
Coto’s murder has left our union family reeling and has highlighted the risks CSEA members face while providing essential services in communities across the state.
“Maria Coto’s life was cut short in a senseless and vicious attack simply because she was doing her job,” said CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan. “Her loss is felt throughout CSEA and shall serve as a solemn reminder
of how we need to continue to fight for worker safety. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Maria’s family and loved ones.”
“Maria Coto needlessly died
while she was doing what she had devoted her career to – helping people in need,” said Southern Region President Anthony Adamo. “This tragedy is devastating for her loved ones and co-workers. It’s also resonated with other CSEA members
Coto (Photo provided)
across the state who are also caseworkers aiding residents of our communities.”
Westchester County Local President Hattie Adams, who also serves as the county unit president, noted that she and other CSEA representatives have been in regular contact with county leaders to address workplace security
for caseworkers. In early June, Westchester County Executive George Latimer announced that the county had expanded its existing program of providing security escorts for community and home visits.
“We are devastated by the passing of Maria Coto,” said Adams. “We
will in her memory continue to be committed to do everything possible in conjunction with the Westchester County Executive’s office to educate and to assure our membership is safe while working to service the community. Our condolences go
out to her CSEA family, co-workers, friends and family during this difficult time.”
— Jessica Ladlee
Rose DeSorbo, longtime Capital Region activist
ALBANY — CSEA
is mourning the passing of longtime Capital Region activist and Capital District Retirees Local 999 member Rose DeSorbo, who passed away June 20, 2024. She was 72.
DeSorbo
CSEA Department of Economic Development Local President, Rose also served as the Capital Region’s 3rd Vice President, on our union’s Board of Directors, as an AFSCME delegate and on numerous statewide and region committees.
After retiring, Rose joined the CSEA Retiree Division as a member of Local 999.
Rose was an integral part of the
“I Love New York” campaign and was very proud to share photos of New York’s most beautiful places.
Off the job, Rose enjoyed the racetrack, casinos, loudly playing cards and games with loved ones and spending time with family and friends.
She is survived by several siblings, nieces and nephew and a great niece and nephews. Services were held on July 1.
— Therese Assalian
Rose worked
at the New York State Department of Economic Development for more than 35 years, serving as the CSEA Department of Economic Development Local President for much of that time before retiring. According to her obituary, Rose “loved the union.”
During her career at the state, Rose had a spirited passion to ensure that her co-workers were treated fairly on the job, spurring her extensive service to our union.
In addition to serving as
2 The Work Force
July-August 2024