Albany, NY – The Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) is mourning the loss of former CSEA President Danny Donohue.
Donohue, who led CSEA for more than 25 years and served the Union for over four decades, passed away at the age of 81 on August 10th (2025). Danny was a towering figure in the Labor Movement, a fearless advocate for Working People and a beloved friend to so many people.
Donohue was the longest-serving President in CSEA’s history and one of the most influential Labor Leaders of his generation. Rising from his roots as a “Truck Driver from Brooklyn,” he never lost his blunt style of speaking, quick wit or deep commitment to the people he served. He was bold, unafraid to speak his mind and never hesitant to take on a fight when CSEA Members were being treated unfairly.
CSEA President Mary Sullivan said: “CSEA is greatly saddened by the loss of Danny Donohue. Danny was a dear friend to me for decades, a mentor and a partner in countless battles for Working People. I worked alongside Danny through tough negotiations, political fights and moments when the odds seemed stacked against us. He was fearless when someone was wronging his Members. He’d let them know it, whether they were the Governor or a local supervisor, and he never backed down.”
He had an unmatched ability to rally members and speak truth to power, famously declaring CSEA “the best damn Union in the country.” He believed deeply in CSEA and its Members – and he gave everything he had to make their lives better. Under Donohue’s leadership, CSEA won landmark victories for its Members.
His influence extended far beyond contract tables and legislative halls – he helped shape a generation of Labor Activists and inspired thousands to step up and lead. Beyond his accomplishments at CSEA, Donohue was a respected voice in the broader Labor Movement, serving as Vice President of the New York State AFL-CIO and as an American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME) International Vice President.
He retired in 2019, leaving behind a Union stronger, more united and more determined than ever to defend the rights of its Members.
Donohue is survived by his wife – Irene, and three children.
To Directly Access This Labor News Report, Go To: CSEA Mourns the Passing of Legendary Union Leader Danny Donohue – CSEA NY
WNYLaborToday.com Editor’s Note: In the Summer of 2013, Our Newspaper conducted a video interview with CSEA President Donohue, which can be accessed at: June/July 2013 Edition – Segment II – WNY Labor Today: Your On-Line Labor Newspaper, Bringing You Labor News From Across The Nation, New York State & Western New York.
