Public Employee Press

Mail and Media


Remembering an unsung union activist

On Jan. 4, an unsung hero of AFSCME District Council 37 passed away at the age of 102. My father, Maurice Ward, ended his days with the latest Public Employee Press nearby.

A devoted union man and political activist, he advised all that the secret to his longevity was eating raw onions and raw vegetables daily. Also, a little dark chocolate.

Despite being physically disabled by polio as a young boy, he persevered. His career in public service began in the 1930s under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Works Progress Administration program, and with the New York State prison system as a Shorthand Reporter. He advanced to the New York City court system, from which he retired to Florida after 39 years on the job.

He was known and beloved by numerous judges, attorneys, politicians and co-workers. Everywhere in the court system, people recognized the man with a leg brace and respected him.

His mission in life was to aid all - no matter what their race, gender or disability - in obtaining equal rights. He was a member of and contributed to every organization and that worked toward those goals.

His colorful life brought him to Washington, D.C. on many occasions, as an activist and rank-and-file lobbyist, to testify or protest or whatever was required to further the cause. The causes were many, especially those centered around the disabled and union issues.

He testified before the House Ways and Means Committee to pass H.R. 424, a bill he wrote and helped pass for the disabled. He helped pass Handicap Parking rules under two New York City mayors in the 1970s.

Even in his retirement, he was an active leader in DC 37 in South Florida. The union and its causes always came first in his life. I hope many of you who knew him will please contact me at ward.cwqt@gmail.com.

— Caryn Ward