The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) announced the death of retired Eastern Territory General Vice President James Conigliaro Sr. Conigliaro, who was born in Brooklyn in 1956, served the IAM for more than four decades before retiring in July 2021.
Conigliaro began his career as a maintenance mechanic at United Parcel Service in 1977. He rose through union ranks, serving as shop steward, organizer, business agent, and later Assistant Directing Business Representative of District 15. In 2003, he was elected Directing Business Representative of District 15 and joined the IAM Executive Council in 2015.
“Jimmy devoted his life to lifting up working families and strengthening our union,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “His leadership, compassion, and tireless advocacy made a lasting impact on the IAM and the labor movement throughout the Eastern Territory. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Conigliaro’s work included organizing Black Car drivers in New York City. His efforts contributed to making IAM a national leader in representing ride-share industry drivers across the country.
IAM District 15 honored him by dedicating its Lyndhurst, New Jersey office building in his name and installing a bronze marker at its entryway.
“Jimmy was a true trade unionist who led with heart and belief that workers deserve a strong voice,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “He built a legacy of leadership in District 15 and across the Eastern Territory that will continue to inspire generations of IAM members.”
“Jimmy’s impact on the IAM and District 15 cannot be overstated,” said IAM District 15 Directing Business Representative Norman Shreve. “He changed lives, built leaders, and set a standard for what it means to serve working people. His loss is deeply felt across our union, but his values and commitment to the working class will continue to guide District 15 and the IAM for generations.”
Conigliaro is survived by his wife Gissel, three children, nine grandchildren, extended family members, friends, and many colleagues from within the labor movement.
Visitation is scheduled at Marine Park Funeral Home on January 28 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM; January 29 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM and from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on January 30 at St. Francis de Sales R.C. Church in Belle Harbor with burial following at St. John’s Cemetery in Queens.
