CUNY pioneer Israel Kugler dies

A union organizer and co-founder of the Professional Staff Congress, Israel Kugler died Oct. 1 at the age of 90.

Israel taught social science at New York City Technical College. He served as president of the United Federation of College Teachers — an American Federation of Teachers affiliate — throughout the turbulent 1960s.

When 31 faculty members from St. John's University were dismissed without due process, Israel led a now-famous strike at the Catholic university that lasted 18 months.

In 1972, he helped establish the PSC, representing faculty and staff at the City University of New York. Israel served as the union's first deputy president. Even in retirement, he remained active, attending rallies, walking PSC picket lines, and providing counsel to the union.

Israel is survived by his wife, Helen; sons Philip and Daniel; a sister, Frances; and two grandsons.

His son, Philip, has followed in his father's footsteps. He is assistant to the president for organizing and field services at the AFT.

Patricia Anne Brogan

Patricia Anne Brogan, a Kingston Teachers Federation retiree, died Aug. 29; she was 70.

Patricia was a school nurse in Kingston schools for 25 years, retiring in 1992. She was a member of the Kingston Retired TF, former president of the Ulster County School Nurse TA and a member of the Saugerties Jaycees.

Patricia is survived by her husband, William; daughters Patricia and Penny; a son, William; brother David; several nieces and nephews; and eight grandchildren.

Robert A. Cerone

Longtime western New York VOTE-COPE coordinator Robert A. Cerone died June 16. A member of the North Tonawanda United Teachers, Bob left a warm impression on friends and colleagues. "Bob was a strong supporter of our political involvement on all levels," said NYSUT Executive Vice President Alan Lubin. "He was always there for us with a warm smile and great ideas. Bob will be missed."

Bob is survived by his wife, Linda; a son, Robert ( Laurel); daughter Elizabeth (John); grandchildren Maxwell, Olivia and Julia; mother Ida; sister Elaine; brother-in-law Fred; sister-in-law MaryJane; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Condolences may be sent to his wife at 74 Tulane Road, Buffalo, N.Y. 14217.

John Mariani

John Mariani, a UFT retiree and activist, died July 30.

Over his distinguished career, John was a science teacher at the High School of Performing Arts and La Guardia High. A chapter leader during the union's historic 1968 strike, John was active in the UFT's Italian-American Heritage Committee.

He was proud of the contributions Italian-Americans made to the trade union movement.

John is survived by three brothers, many nieces and nephews and a host of friends and colleagues.

Jacqueline Pavese

Jacqueline Pavese died in July; she was 87. A member of the UFT, Jacqueline taught early childhood education, Title I reading and English as a second language to adults for 33 years.

A piano player who enjoyed the opera, she spoke several languages. Jacqueline, a single parent, also put her three children through medical school.

Jacqueline learned how to share her knowledge and self with others. Many of her first-grade students credited her with inspiring them to succeed.

Jacqueline is survived by her children, Teresa, Marie and Richard; and countless friends. Contributions may be sent to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International or the American Diabetes Association.

Carol A. Riola

A retired member of the Greece TA, Carol A. Riola died May 26 after a brief illness. She was 66. Carol began her career in 1962, teaching physical education at Greece Olympia High and retired after many years at Athena High.

During her 32-year tenure, she held various positions of leadership and coached many sports. She played softball, loved swimming and was an ardent Buffalo Bills fan. Carol was a union advocate happiest when fighting for the rights of fellow colleagues.

Carol was active in the Girl Scouts and served as the director of Camp Pinewood. She served for many years as president of the Honeoye Lake Park Association.

Carol is survived by her sister, Barbara.