CSEA is mourning the loss of former Metropolitan Region President George Boncoraglio, who passed away July 17, 2025, at age 76.
Carrying with him a legendary temper and a strong desire to defend union members, George never ceased fighting for and defending what was right throughout his 40 years of labor activism.
“George was a dedicated leader who fought for working people throughout his life, and he never backed down from a fight,” said CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan. “He was key to helping his co-workers get a voice on the job and tirelessly worked toward worker justice. On behalf of our union, I extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
“George was a political colleague and friend for over 35 years,” said Metropolitan Region President Lester Crockett. “He was one of the fiercest individuals I ever met.”
George’s journey as an activist with CSEA began during his time as a mental health therapy aide at South Beach Psychiatric Center in the early 1970s.
After an injustice on the job, George helped organize our union’s South Beach Psychiatric Center Local in 1973. He was known as a hands-on leader who was often feared by management.
George was elected as the Metropolitan Region Treasurer in 1981. He also served on the CSEA Board of Directors. In 1984, George was elected as the Metropolitan Region President. He would hold the position until he retired in 2011.
After retiring, he moved to Florida and joined our union’s Florida State East Retirees Local 951.
His fairness and insistence on coalition building helped the region become very important in terms of influence within the union movement, and he always urged members to be honest with each other and surpass their differences.
“I live on the premise that you have to tell the truth,” said George shortly before retiring. “We can kill ourselves or we can build on the things we have in common.”
He is survived by his wife Mary Ann, children, and grandchildren. A gathering of family and friends will be held July 22 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Dorsey – E. Earl Smith Funeral Home, 3041 Kirk Road, Lake Worth, FL 33461.
