LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Humphrey Donahue, distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Humphrey Donahue of Geneva, New York died peacefully in his
home on Sunday, October 27, 2013, at the age of 84; and
WHEREAS, Born February 10, 1929 to Edward and Mary Gavin Donahue,
Humphrey Donahue was a graduate of DeSales High School, a member of St.
Stephen's Church, attended Seton Hall University, and was a Staff
Sergeant in the United States Army; and
WHEREAS, On January 23, 1954, Humphrey Donahue married his wife, Caro-
lyn Jensen, and in 1958 they moved to Rochester, New York where he
worked as a member of Local 33 of the International Association of
Bridge, Structural and Ornamental Iron Workers, AFL-CIO, of which he
remained a member for over 50 years; and
WHEREAS, Humphrey accepted an appointment, in 1969, as the Field
Representative in New York State for the national American Federation of
Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) and was subse-
quently appointed to the esteemed New York City-based position of Direc-
tor of Region VII (NY, NJ, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands) for the AFL-CIO
during which time he was instrumental in union organizing, negotiating
contracts, and supporting legislation and political activity in the
interests of working men and women; and
WHEREAS, Humphrey Donahue distinguished himself in his profession with
sincere dedication to his lifelong commitment to the advocacy of the
rights of workers and his firm belief in the dignity of work and the
strength of the family which substantially contributed to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, In addition, his efforts were recognized with awards received
from: the American Red Cross; the National AFL-CIO Community Services
Program; the Harry VanArsdale, Jr. Labor History Project; the National
Safety Council; the International Association of Machinists and Aero-
space Workers; the Monmouth-Ocean Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO;
Niagara-Orleans Labor Council, AFL-CIO; Rochester and Vicinity Labor
Council, AFL-CIO; and the New York State AFL-CIO; and
WHEREAS, Humphrey Donahue's commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including char-
itable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, As a member of the American Legion, Humphrey Donahue served
in the color guard and was manager of the Winnek Post Drum & Bugle
Corps; in 1998 named Irishman of the Year; in 2002, he received his
50-year certificate of continuous membership in the American Legion; and
WHEREAS, Active within his community, Humphrey Donahue was a member of
the American Arbitration Association, the Loyal League of Yiddish Sons
of Erin, and the Danish Brotherhood; and
WHEREAS, Humphrey Donahue is survived by his wife of 59 years, Caro-
lyn; daughters Karen Donahue and Linda H. Donahue (Rick Winkler); broth-
ers Edward (Mary Jane) Donahue, Jack (Moraima), Michael (Arlene); broth-
er-in-law Robert (Helen) Jensen; long-time friends Jim and Mary Deane;
and many dear cousins, nieces and nephews, and predeceased by his
sister, Margaret Hogan; brothers, William Robert Donahue and Joseph
Donahue; and nephews, Peter Donahue and Greg Hogan; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Humphrey Donahue leaves

behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will
remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Humphrey Donahue, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Humphrey Donahue.