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In Memoriam − Tom Deary

"The celestial NWU just got a dynamic new member," Elaine Gottlieb said, as devastated Boston Chapter members learned that long-time NWU member Tom Deary died on October 6, 2006, after fighting cancer for three years. Since his diagnosis, Barbara Mende said, "Whenever I've seen him, he's been able to light up the room even when he was visibly ill. And he'd inspire you with enthusiasm for his many causes. When he was at his sickest, he was still trying to improve the world for others. What a fight he put on."

Tom Deary was a lifelong labor activist. He was a G.E. machinist and an IUE International rep. When he retired, New Hampshire AFL-CIO gave him their 2005 Distinguished Service Award, saying, "Tom Deary has lived his life fighting for social justice and making a difference in workers' lives."

In 1987 he joined the NWU as a labor writer for his union's newsletter. He was a national Delegate, a local Steering Committee member and a grievance advisor. Barbara Beckwith remembers him "turning up for meetings on his motorcycle from New Hampshire and how his grandkids joined him in leafleting during the struggle against the Globe's rights-grab contract for writers." Barbara reminds us that "Tom spearheaded the 'Hire a Union Writer' campaign to get NWU members work by telling unions around the country about our skilled writers."

Charles Coe thinks of Tom as "old school − rock solid and down-to-earth − the kind of guy you'd call if you'd left your car lights on and needed a jump at two in the morning. I've never met anyone more passionately committed to the labor movement, and it was my pleasure and privilege to work with him."

Sue Katz admired the way Tom made connections. "I joined the Alliance for Retired Americans (a labor alternative to AARP) at Tom's urging. He was a seductive character in many ways − unflinching principles are so appealing − and an irresistible flirt."

Gema Gray agrees: "His love of the Labor movement and the NWU informed his every action and opinion. I remember many spirited conversations with him in the various bars around town where we would gather after SC meetings. His playful smile was so infectious and his light-hearted but never inappropriate flirting was always very relaxed and flattering."

He was both an inspiration and a hands-on activist. Elaine Gottlieb remembers "his firm handshake and his ability to get people moving and cleaning at the end of our book parties." At a GO-CA training in 2002, Chris Ammer found Tom to be "a most enthusiastic participant and we all enjoyed his tales of his times in the labor movement."

Shirley Moskow admired the way Tom "listened to everyone with equal respect, but was not at all shy about stating his views. Forcefully. Tom reminded me of a bantam rooster, feisty when it came to setting things right."

"Tom was Mr. Union Democracy," Miryam Williamson adds. "He was warm, full of integrity and uncompromising in his devotion to the union movement. Whatever he did, he gave it his best. Tom's kind of union consciousness is hard to find, and we're all the poorer for his loss."

When asked why he joined the union, Tom said, "Joining the NWU gave me the opportunity to spread my wings as a writer, to be around writing professionals who knew more than I about the business of making money writing and could offer guidance. I have continued my involvement because writers are a breed of incredibly interesting people."

On September 10, 2006, Tom wrote to a few of his NWU friends to tell us that his cancer had spread and that he had just a couple of months to live. "Just so you know, I am doing well, have gained weight and look half decent in clothes − you don't want to see me without clothes. Actually, I look better now that they've told me I would be departing this world than I did prior to them telling me I'm on my last legs. Go figure." Even so, he ended with optimism: "Anything exceptional happens I will let you know. Keep the faith. Love you all − Tom."

The NWU sends its warmest condolences to Tom's beloved wife Marge and the rest of his family, friends and comrades.