Public Employee Press

The union mourns a local hero: Al Locascio

Busloads of union members and leaders mourned beloved Building Superintendent Alberto Locascio at his funeral on Staten Island Nov. 17. Locascio passed away at home Nov. 13 after a brief illness.

Locascio immigrated to New York from Argentina, taught himself English, studied in trade schools and began his career at DC 37 in 1974. He and his crew are responsible for the maintenance of the union's 10-story headquarters, and the workers were instrumental in getting the building back into operation after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and after Hurricane Sandy. The 2012 hurricane caused significant damage, closing the building for several months while Locascio supervised reconstruction.

"His magnificent dedication and round-the-clock work were crucial to our recovery," said Associate Director Oliver Gray.

Locascio was married to Wiandy Santiago, administrative assistant in the union's Executive Office. A gifted handyman, he "loved fixing things," Santiago said. "But his absolute first love was his family."

Besides Wiandy, Locascio is survived by three sons, Al, Arthur and Michael; sister Maria Elena Loyola and a grandson.