Assembly Resolution No. 582

BY: M. of A. Bronson

COMMENDING James Bertolone upon the occasion of
his retirement after more than 40 years of
distinguished service to the American Postal
Worker's Union Local 215

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the efforts of those individuals who distinguish themselves in
service to the cause of working men and women in the State of New York;
and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend James
Bertolone upon the occasion of his retirement after more than 40 years
of distinguished service to the American Postal Worker's Union Local
215; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious milestone will be celebrated at a
Retirement Party held in his honor on Saturday, July 22, 2017, at the
RIT Inn and Conference Center in Henrietta, New York; and

WHEREAS, Raised in Northwest Rochester, New York, James "Jim"
Bertolone held his first union job at a supermarket; at the young age of
16, he joined Retail Clerks International, which later merged with
United Food and Commercial Workers Union, AFL-CIO; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from Jefferson High School in 1969, Jim
Bertolone earned his bachelor's degree from Brockport State University
in 1972; he also graduated from the Cornell University Labor Studies
Program; and

WHEREAS, Jim Bertolone began his illustrious career as an LSM
Operator for the United States Postal Service in 1973; and

WHEREAS, Quickly climbing the ranks, Jim Bertolone served as Clerk
Craft Director of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU), Greater
Rochester Area, Local 215 from 1978 to 1983, followed by its Vice
President from 1983 to 1990; and

WHEREAS, For the next 27 years, Jim Bertolone held the esteemed
title of President of the APWU Local 215, a position from which he
officially retired on April 1, 2017; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his role with the APWU Local 215, Jim
Bertolone served as President of the Rochester and Vicinity Labor
Council, AFL-CIO from 1998-2015; in this capacity, he represented 100
Unions and 60,000 members in Monroe County; and

WHEREAS, Jim Bertolone was also the President of the Rochester and
Genesee Valley Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, on behalf of 100,000 Union
members and 160 Unions in 11 Counties; and

WHEREAS, Jim Bertolone holds the title of Chairman of the Rochester
& Genesee Valley AFL-CIO Workforce Development Center, Inc., and is an
active participant of the New York State AFL-CIO Executive Council, and

the New York State Workforce Development Institute Board of Directors;
and

WHEREAS, Since January of 2008, Jim Bertolone has enjoyed sharing
his expertise with readers in a monthly labor column for the Rochester
Business Journal; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to his community, Jim Bertolone was a vital
member of the Boards of Directors of both the United Way of Greater
Rochester from 1998-2007, and Lifespan from 2000-2004; and

WHEREAS, In his capacity as President of the APWU, Jim Bertolone
served with loyalty, honor and distinction; in his official acts, he was
governed by a keen sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp of
human problems; and

WHEREAS, During his tenure with the APWU, Jim Bertolone earned the
admiration, esteem and affection of his colleagues; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Iris; their three
sons, Rafe, David and Vinnie; and their grandson, Tyler, all of whom
have shown him love and support and rejoice in his many achievements;
and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend James Bertolone upon the occasion of his retirement after more
than 40 years of distinguished service to the American Postal Worker's
Union, and to wish him continued success in all his future endeavors;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to James Bertolone.