CSEA mourns ‘labor icon’ Tripi

ROCHESTER —CSEA is mourning the loss of Western Region President Flo Tripi, 79, who passed away July 18 after an illness.

Tripi, one of our union’s most passionate, strongest leaders, served our union and the Western New York labor community for 50 years.

One of our union’s strongest advocates, Tripi used her voice to improve our members’ lives and strengthen her community.

She was known for her kind, thoughtful demeanor and for her nonstop work on behalf of our members. She was particularly skilled at bringing our members together to boost our solidarity.

Her energy was contagious, motivating member activists from across the state in their quests for fair and just treatment. Tripi believed the labor movement should build on the past to strengthen its future.

She also believed regularly communicating with members was one of her most important duties.

Tripi urges state officials to keep open Western New York Children’s Psychiatric Center at a 2016 rally.

“Flo never backed down, stood tall and never failed to represent our members with dignity and heart, by whom she was most beloved,” said CSEA President Danny Donohue. “Flo was one of our brightest stars, and a dear, close friend. Flo was an inspiration to everyone around her. We will continue to honor Flo’s memory by doing exactly what she did for her entire time with CSEA — fighting for the dignity and respect of our hardworking members throughout the state.”

In accordance with our union’s procedures, Kathy Button, who had been serving as the region’s Executive Vice President, is now the Western Region President.

“Flo’s contributions to CSEA, her union family and to the American Labor Movement will continue to pay dividends for years to come,” Button said. “She was an exceptional leader whose passion and commitment to making our communities stronger and safer will never be forgotten. Her tireless decades of service and her legacy will ensure future working families will always have a seat at the table and a strong voice at work.”

Then Monroe County Unit President Flo Tripi attends a union event, circa 1984.

Tripi began her career at the Monroe County Health Department in 1968. She soon found her calling as a CSEA activist, when she began advocating for other members and fighting on their behalf during the 1970s.
By the early 1980s, she was already serving in leadership positions, including as president of the CSEA Monroe County Unit and Local. In 2000, she became the CSEA Western Region President and was presently serving her fifth term in that office.

She was also a major voice in Western New York’s greater labor community. She served as vice president of the Western New York Area Labor Federation, as well as vice president of the Buffalo Labor Council and Rochester Labor Council. She also served on the New York State AFL-CIO’s executive board.

Tripi, the oldest of four children, lived in the Rochester area her entire life. She is survived by her brother, Salvatore J. Tripi and sister-in-law; a brother-in-law; two nephews; five nieces; 17 great-nieces and nephews; cousins; friends and her CSEA family. Outside of her union work, she was an avid gardener and a regular attendee of St. Charles Borromeo Church. Tripi was also a lifelong New York Yankees fan and loved to share her passion for them with anyone she could.

— Ove Overmyer