NIAGARA FALLS — During the 115th Annual Delegates Meeting, CSEA officers, attendees and invited dignitaries all paid tribute to CSEA and labor leaders who have passed, including former CSEA President Danny Donohue and former Metropolitan Region President George Boncoraglio.
Danny passed away on Aug. 10, 2025. He served an unprecedented seven terms as CSEA President, serving from 1994 until retiring in 2019.
“He believed in the CSEA membership,” said CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan, who had served as our union’s Executive Vice President during Donohue’s tenure. “He believed in you. He believed in your courage and your service and your integrity. We need to follow and continue the legacy of Danny Donohue.”
Attendees also heard a moving tribute to Donohue from AFSCME International President Lee Saunders, who spoke about Danny’s commitment to CSEA members.
“He had time for everyone, and he would talk to anyone,” said Saunders. “Danny was a giant. He was a leader within the entire American labor movement. We have got to emulate everything that Danny stood for. It is up to all of us.”
New York State AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Terry Melvin, who also serves as president of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, reminded the room of how humble Donohue was.
“He used to refer to himself as a truck driver from Brooklyn,” said Melvin, who served as an executive assistant to Danny. “I said, ‘No. You’re a labor leader.’”
Gary Hickey, former president of Pearl Insurance and a close personal friend of Donohue, also offered moving words of remembrance, including echoing sentiments of all the speakers.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Danny’s family and loved ones during this difficult time,” said Hickey.
Tributes from Gov. Kathy Hochul, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento were also shared.
Attendees were invited to share their own tributes and memories of Danny over the years.
Also honored during the ceremony was former Metropolitan Region President George Boncoraglio, who passed away on July 17, 2025.
“George was scrappy,” said Sullivan. “If someone attacked our union members, he attacked them right back. He was a fighter, and he will be missed.”
The ceremony was closed with a moving video and bagpipes. The video and tributes can be viewed at cseany.org/Danny.
— Mathew L. Cantore