After a touching tribute, delegates voted by acclamation to thank NYSUT Retiree Services Director Patrick Longo for his many years of service and wish him well in his retirement later this spring.

Rosemary Catanzariti of Retiree Council 19 introduced the special order of business to note Longo's legacy in building services for NYSUT's retirees. Under Longo's leadership, they have formed chapters and retiree councils and elected members to the NYSUT Board of Directors.

NYSUT Board member Tony McCann of Shenendehowa Teachers Association cited Longo for his "extraordinary" union role, starting 30 years ago when he led a strike by the South Colonie TA. When a secretary in another union was fired for crossing the picket line, McCann said, Longo successfully went to bat for her, making labor history. McCann noted Longo's tireless dedication to helping locals around the Capital District - including 4 a.m. bargaining sessions in places like Whitehall and Stillwater. He also credited Longo with launching the Greater Capital Region Teacher Center.