In this 1999 file photo, then Capital Region President Carmen Bagnoli speaks at a news conference at the state Capitol. Next to Bagnoli is a stuffed turkey that symbolized Gov. George Pataki’s budget. Union leaders and state legislators called for a “slice” of the turkey for public employees.
ALBANY — CSEA is mourning the loss of former Capital Region President Carmen Bagnoli, who passed away November 23 at age 78.
Bagnoli had been a CSEA activist for about 40 years, which included also serving as a longtime state Taxation and Finance (Albany) Local President and member of the CSEA Board of Directors. After his term as Capital Region President ended in 2000, Bagnoli became director of the CSEA Employee Benefit Fund, serving in that post until retiring in 2009.
In recent years, Bagnoli had split his time between living in Mechanicville, in Saratoga County, and Parrish, Fla.
Bagnoli was known as a leader who showed unwavering loyalty and a calming leadership style to members. He was also known for his deft approach with management.
“Carmen was a true advocate for the members he represented,” CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan said. “He never failed to make the extra effort to ensure the members’ rights were protected. He will always be remembered as one of CSEA’s outstanding leaders.”
In 1997, then Capital Region President Carmen Bagnoli, center, joins City of Cohoes workers and their supporters in a demonstration to fight a plan to contract out city services.
“On behalf of CSEA’s Capital Region family, I want to express our deepest condolences to the family of Carmen Bagnoli, who devoted decades in the service of union members in his roles as CSEA local president, Capital Region President and as Director of CSEA’s Employee Benefit Fund,” CSEA Capital Region President Ron Briggs said. “Carmen’s efforts and commitment to working families leaves a lasting legacy.”
CSEA Director of Member Engagement Adam Acquario, who had worked closely with Bagnoli when he served as the Capital Region’s Political Action Coordinator, recalled Bagnoli as a sweet man, who always had a smile and a warm personality.
“Carmen brought a sense of comfort to any situation,” Acquario said. “Whether it was a dispute among members or a fight with management, he had a style that put people at ease. He could calm an angry sea just by walking on the beach.”
Acquario also noted Bagnoli’s dealings with management.
“He was very guile when it came to dealing with management conflicts and used that ability to get what was best for the membership and [his local],” Acquario said. “He would much rather use his cunning than be combative. It served him and CSEA very well.”
Capital District Retirees Local 999 Executive Vice President Frank Brady, who served as an officer at the state Taxation and Finance (Albany) Local with Bagnoli, recalled that Bagnoli would not hesitate to go directly to the tax commissioner to handle labor issues in the agency.
“His moxie was so big that if you had an issue, you could call him anytime,” Brady said. “His [guts]were as big as a refrigerator. The way he did business was amazing. He was the kind of guy who stood strong for members. When you needed his support, he was there for you. He always had people’s backs.”
Off the job, Bagnoli had a long history of serving his community, including as a longtime member and later President of the Mechanicville School Board of Education; chair of the Mechanicville Housing Authority and Mechanicville Zoning Board.
According to his obituary, Bagnoli enjoyed golfing and trips to the casino in his spare time. He is survived by his daughter, siblings, nieces and nephews and pets.
— Janice Gavin
