Assembly Resolution No. 1308

BY: M. of A. Bronson

MOURNING the death of Humphrey Donahue, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Humphrey Donahue of Geneva, New York died peacefully in his home on Sunday, October 27, 2013, at the age of 84; and

WHEREAS, Born February 10, 1929 to Edward and Mary Gavin Donahue, Humphrey Donahue was a graduate of DeSales High School, a member of St. Stephen's Church, attended Seton Hall University, and was a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army; and

WHEREAS, On January 23, 1954, Humphrey Donahue married his wife, Carolyn Jensen, and in 1958 they moved to Rochester, New York where he worked as a member of Local 33 of the International Association of Bridge, Structural and Ornamental Iron Workers, AFL-CIO, of which he remained a member for over 50 years; and

WHEREAS, Humphrey accepted an appointment, in 1969, as the Field Representative in New York State for the national American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) and was subsequently appointed to the esteemed New York City-based position of Director of Region VII (NY, NJ, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands) for the AFL-CIO during which time he was instrumental in union organizing, negotiating contracts, and supporting legislation and political activity in the interests of working men and women; and

WHEREAS, Humphrey Donahue distinguished himself in his profession with sincere dedication to his lifelong commitment to the advocacy of the rights of workers and his firm belief in the dignity of work and the strength of the family which substantially contributed to the welfare of his community; and

WHEREAS, In addition, his efforts were recognized with awards received from: the American Red Cross; the National AFL-CIO Community Services Program; the Harry VanArsdale, Jr. Labor History Project; the National Safety Council; the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; the Monmouth-Ocean Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO; Niagara-Orleans Labor Council, AFL-CIO; Rochester and Vicinity Labor

Council, AFL-CIO; and the New York State AFL-CIO; and

WHEREAS, Humphrey Donahue's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, As a member of the American Legion, Humphrey Donahue served in the color guard and was manager of the Winnek Post Drum & Bugle Corps; in 1998 named Irishman of the Year; in 2002, he received his 50-year certificate of continuous membership in the American Legion; and

WHEREAS, Active within his community, Humphrey Donahue was a member of the American Arbitration Association, the Loyal League of Yiddish Sons of Erin, and the Danish Brotherhood; and

WHEREAS, Humphrey Donahue is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carolyn; daughters Karen Donahue and Linda H. Donahue (Rick Winkler); brothers Edward (Mary Jane) Donahue, Jack (Moraima), Michael (Arlene); brother-in-law Robert (Helen) Jensen; long-time friends Jim and Mary Deane; and many dear cousins, nieces and nephews, and predeceased by his sister, Margaret Hogan; brothers, William Robert Donahue and Joseph Donahue; and nephews, Peter Donahue and Greg Hogan; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Humphrey Donahue leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Humphrey Donahue, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Humphrey Donahue.