October 2017 Issue
October 25, 2017

Passings

Source: NYSUT United

Robert (Bob) Astrowsky

Robert (Bob) AstrowskyBob Astrowsky, a staunch unionist and former assistant secretary of the United Federation of Teachers and the longtime chair of NYSUT's Representative Assembly convention committee, died Sept. 3. He was 76.

"I never heard (Astrowsky) turn down a call for help," recalled NYSUT Executive Vice President Emeritus Alan Lubin. "Bob could not say no. When asked, he would show up for a 6 a.m. picket line for any workers who needed support."

A former teacher and guidance counselor whose dedication to the union spanned more than 50 years, Astrowsky began his union service as chapter leader of PS 148 in Manhattan. He would go on to hold a number of positions at the UFT and serve on the NYSUT Board of Directors.

Perhaps most notably, Astrowsky chaired NYSUT's annual Representative Assembly convention committee from its inception.

"Bob's leadership at our conventions and his dedication to union democracy made NYSUT a stronger, more representative organization," said NYSUT President Andy Pallotta.

Kathleen Maxwell Bernstein | Aug. 18, 2017
|Mohawk Valley Community College Adjuncts and Part-timers

Marjorie Flanagan | Aug. 17, 2017
Kenmore Teachers Association

Full obituaries, if provided, are available at www.nysut.org. Submissions must include decedent's full name, union affiliation and date of death, and contact information for the person submitting the notice. Fax notices to 518-213-6415; send to Andrew Watson, NYSUT United, 800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, NY 12110-2455; or email awatson@nysutmail.org.