Public Employee Press

DC 37 mourns Kevin Smith

DC 37 and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Clerical Administrative Employees Local 1655 lost a vibrant leader, trade unionist and friend June 12 when Kevin D. Smith passed away.

“Kevin Smith was such a unique and special person and we loved him so very much,” said DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts. “He brought personality and energy to every project he was involved with and contributed much to our council.” Kevin Smith, also known as “Mr. Elegance” to his friends and colleagues at the council, served as Local 1655 president, Black History Committee chair and PEOPLE chair, and he was a DC 37 Executive Board member.

Mike Riggio, White Collar Division director said, “Kevin was truly a person who was beginning to take his local in a new direction much to the betterment of the lives of his members.”

“Kevin infused the Black History Committee with new enthusiasm, a new spirit and brought laughter back to the committee,” said committee co-chair Cynthia Chin-Marshall, who is the DC 37 Health and Security Fund administrator.

Mr. Smith’s first year as BHC chair featured an outstanding tribute to DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts during Black History Month. In August 2007 he wowed the union with an all-white-dress dinner cruise fundraiser on the Hudson. Last February Smith helped establish the DC 37 Black History Committee African Diaspora Awards, which were given to aid small nonprofit groups.

Additionally, outside DC 37, Smith was very active in his community and church where he served as a minister at Harlem’s Greater Hood Memorial AME Zion Church.

“Mr. Smith was a well of happiness and did so much good for so many people,” said DC 37 Associate Director Oliver Gray, who spoke on behalf of Roberts at the June 17 memorial service.

“Kevin was one of those rare and honest people who told you the truth to your face and you loved him for it,” said Council Rep Melroy Slowe. “You trusted him and he was always there for you.”

A Transit employee for 28 years, Smith rose through the ranks to be elected local president in 2004 and in Nov. 2007. He also was secretary of the Transit Authority Members African American Society, a fraternal organization.

“Kevin served with dignity and made sure everything was fabulous, on time and spectacular. He inspired us to do more,” said Rhonna Bonsu, his longtime friend and a retired Local 1655 officer.