Sudburian and former United Steelworkers international president Leo Gerard has died at the age of 78.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Leo W. Gerard,” said his obituary, which said he died on Sept. 21. “He passed away peacefully with his family by his side.”
The obituary said he is deeply missed by his wife of 56 years, Susan Gerard, his two daughters Kari-Ann Gerard Cusack (husband Shane) and Meaghan Gerard Wennekes (husband Adam) and his grandchildren, Elyssa, Liam, and Kinley.
There will be no funeral service for Gerard at this time, the obituary said.
“At this time the family is grieving privately together and ask for support and understanding as they remember Leo in their own ways,” said the obituary.
“There will be no services at this time. If you feel moved to make a donation in Leo’s honor, please donate to the Alzheimer’s Society.”
United Steelworkers put out a press release on Gerard’s passing, saying he was the longest-tenured president in USW’s history, leading it for more than 18 years before his 2019 retirement.
He served the union in numerous leadership roles throughout a career spanning more than 50 years, which began at the age of 18 at a nickel smelter in his hometown of Sudbury, the press release said.
“Leo Gerard spent his entire life fighting for workers across the world, and his impact on the USW, and the global labor movement, has been immeasurable,” said USW international president David McCall.
“He inspired countless other workers to carry on the fight for justice and fairness. He will be missed, but we intend to honor his legacy by continuing that work.”
Sudbury.com will publish a full story on Gerard’s life.