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.
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 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
