Joe Mazzola
April 10, 1917 – August 12, 1989
On the 30th anniversary of his death, no name holds a prouder place in the history of the San Francisco Bay Area labor movement than Joe Mazzola, the fiery, dynamic leader of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union Local 38. Joe fought for a better future for more than 40 years for working families, both for Local 38 members and for men and women throughout the working life. He negotiated the first pensions, paid leave, and health and welfare programs in the construction industry. He established scholarships that enabled his members' children to attend college, a children's summer camp, and the Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa, which offered workers the opportunity for affordable family vacations. He believed that the children of working men and women deserved the same opportunities as the children of the “rich and privileged” and that a “union made this possible.” But Joe was more than just a committed trade unionist. He was a good husband, a good father, a good grandfather and a good friend. Joe Mazzola was San Francisco's best and was always proud to represent the working people who built this city. The officers and members of Local 38, his friends and his family pay tribute to a great leader, a great man. We love you, Joe! We miss you and thank you.
Published by the San Francisco Chronicle from July 24 to August 12, 2019.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A
