Mead, circa 1989
PALM HARBOR, FL — CSEA is saddened to report the passing of longtime Capital Region activist C. Allen “Al” Mead.
“Al was a dedicated leader and a true advocate of the members. He will be missed,” said CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan.
Mead previously served as president of CSEA’s Capital Region, a position he assumed when former Region President Joseph McDermott was elevated to the statewide Executive Vice President office in 1983. Mead went on to serve as Capital Region President for 10 years.
He worked for the New York State Health Department since 1970 and served as CSEA Local President there for 10 years. In 1979, he became the Capital Region 1st Vice President. He held numerous other positions within CSEA, including serving on various local, region and statewide committees. He completed the Labor Studies Program at Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations.
After retiring, Mead moved to Palm Harbor, Fla. and was a member of the Florida State Retirees West Local.
McDermott, who served as CSEA’s President from 1988-1994, served alongside Mead for many years and said he would miss someone he considered more than an activist.
“Al wasn’t just a fellow CSEA officer; he was a best friend,” McDermott said. “He never failed to be on the correct side of an issue. He had great disdain for middle management, who he felt was always trying to protect their backsides rather than our members. Al absolutely loved the Lake Placid region and professional baseball and was an avid sports memorabilia collector. We had many a good time together.”
— Mark M. Kotzin
