Statement of New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento on the passing of former President Edward J. Cleary

Today we mourn the loss of one of the true giants of the labor movement. This morning Edward J. Cleary, the former president of the New York State AFL-CIO passed away at his home in Florida. He was 86 years old. Ed was a towering figure not only in our statewide movement but across the country. Throughout his nearly half century of service to the Labor Movement, Ed was one of the most innovative and successful labor leaders we have ever had. He had a commanding presence that could not be ignored by those he came into contact with particularly in the political arena and business community. It was an honor and privilege to work for Ed Cleary who provided, at the time, a 23 year old young man the opportunity to be a part of the state federation. It was much more than I could have ever dreamed. I feel fortunate to have learned from one of the best. Ed will be truly missed, but his many accomplishments within the Labor Movement are now a part of our history and helped pave the way to the many successes we've achieved since his retirement. Ed served as president of the New York State AFL-CIO for 15 years from 1984 to 1999. Throughout this state – throughout this country – Ed Cleary set a new standard for leadership. Our hearts are with Ed's wife Trudy and their three daughters. Background: Outlining a vision for “One movement, One voice, One agenda.”  Edward J. Cleary was elected to lead the 2.5 million member New York State AFL-CIO on January 17, 1984. Building on the tradition of Samuel Gompers and George Meany who held the same office, Ed Cleary set out to unify and mobilize the State Federation to more effectively advocate for New York's working families. He increased the staff from fewer than 10 to more than forty and expanded the work of the State AFL-CIO beyond its traditional roles of political and legislative action. As an enduring legacy, Ed Cleary moved the State Federation into a permanent headquarters building across from the State Capitol which the Executive Council named after him upon his retirement and later added the adjacent building to house the Federation's growing programs.  Under his leadership, the State Federation also moved into the 20th century by employing new computer and printing technologies. The Cleary Administration also won a number of significant political and legislative victories including improvements in worker's compensation, unemployment insurance, and the minimum wage Ed was first elected to office when he became a member of the Examining Board of Local 3, IBEW in 1958.  He was elected Vice President and Assistant Business Manager in 1961.  In 1964, Ed sought and was elected to the Presidency of Local #3, I.B.E.W. In 1985, Ed was elected to the Board of Trustees of the George Meany Center for Labor Studies.  In the same year, he was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Greater New York Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities Advisory Council.  In addition, Ed served on the New York State Coastal Management Advisory Committee of New York Harbor Maritime Industry and was a charter member of the New York State Department of Labor's Child Labor Education Fund Committee. In 1998, Ed received an Honoree Doctorate of Humane Letters from the State University of New York, Empire State College, Harry Van Arsdale School of Labor Studies.