The Passing of Eugene V. Connelly

“Gene” as those of us who knew him was the 3rd Branch President of Branch 6000. He served as the Branch President from 1978 thru 1990.

Gene began his Union career as the Local Branch President of the Rockville Centre Post Office. This was prior to the Branch merger.

He was one of the prominent leaders on Long Island when the “Great” Postal Strike began in New York City in 1970 and then quickly spread throughout Long Island and other parts of the Country. No one knew what the outcome of that “strike” would be. A letter carrier who went out on strike could have lost their job, pension and other benefits. STRIKES were prohibited by the law as they still are now. Thankfully, the “strike” ended with the President (Nixon) and the Congress granting letter carriers and other postal craft employees the right to collective bargaining. The rest is history.

Gene was also one of the Founding Fathers of Long Island Merged Branch 6000. In fact, Branch 6000 came in existence in January 1, 1972 and Gene became one of the Branch’s first full-time Union officers. Prior to becoming the Branch President he was the Executive Vice President with then President Bob Vincenzi.

I first began my union relationship with Gene in 1974 as the shop steward of the Seaford Post Office. Gene was my full-time Area Representative and guided me in the early days of my learning “how” to be a Union representative. Gene provided encouragement and assistance in the grievance procedure. I always considered Gene a friend and mentor.

After Gene retired he moved to North Carolina. We occasionally spoke on the phone and exchanged Christmas Cards. Gene would have been 92 in September this year. He is survived by his wife Clare and his 3 children. We all need to remember Gene and the contributions he made for letter carriers throughout his postal career.

Thank you for your service Gene. GOD Bless You and Keep You!