Donald A. Brisky | News, Sports, Jobs

Don has been a Union Activist for 48 years. First as an Officer of the United Steelworkers Local 6599 at Roblin Steel as the chairman of the Safety and Health Committee, the Negotiating Committee and also the local unions Production Incentive Committee. A longtime Trustee and Political Action Committee person for the Dunkirk Area Labor Council, Steelworkers and C.S.E.A.

Don was elected Councilman for the City of Dunkirk from 1986-1990. He was instrumental in forming the Labor Management Committee for the City of Dunkirk. Donald was the President of C.S.E.A. Local 514 New York State Department of Transportation based in Erie County. He was selected to the C.S.E.A. NYS D.O.T. Statewide Labor Management Committee for all of New York State. He also served on the C.S.E.A. Region 6 Political Action Committee and Chairman of C.S.E.A. Region 6 Audit Committee. Don was an accredited Union Counselor. His proudest achievement in the Labor movement was he and C.S.E.A. Region 6 Staff, Flo Tripi, President formed the first and only Self Directed Work Team at the NYS D.O.T. Sign Shop in Erie County. With no levels of management in the building, he worked closely with Assemblyman, Dick Smith (D) and Senator Cathy Young (R) to create a production, record breaking facility at the Hamburg D.O.T. Sign Making Shop. He was elected Team Leader by the employees and C.S.E.A. members at the facility. He also worked with Assemblyman Smith and Senator Young to pass a law through legislation to allow traffic control signs to be made for all municipalities in New York State, which saved NYS large sums of money. He was past treasurer and the past president of C.S.E.A. Local 509 NYS D.O.T. Chautauqua County. Don was currently the Executive Vice President of C.S.E.A. Unit 3 Retirees.

Don was a life member of First Ward Falcon Club, Moniuszko Club and Dom Polski. He was a member of Fourth Ward Falcons Club, Kosciuszko Club , and the Exempts Firemen’s Association. He enjoyed being a member of the NYS D.O.T. Breakfast Club and Roblin Steel Breakfast Club. Don remained involved in the American Labor Movement. He was on the board of directors of the Workers Memorial. He was an active member of S.O.A.R. 4-1 USW Retirees in the city of Dunkirk.

Don has been married 48 years to his wife Donna. He has two children, daughter Denise Freeman married to Ryan and son, Dennis Brisky. He has two grandchildren, Alaina and Jake Freeman. He has two sisters; Sandra (Larry) Jackson and Joan (Louie) Logan. His love and support for his family and friends is beyond measure.

He will be greatly missed. Friends and family are invited to attend calling hours on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home. A mass of Christian burial will be held at Blessed Mary Angela Church of St. Hyacinth on Friday at 10 a.m.