Elevator Repair Mechanic
Department of Citywide Administrative Services
Citywide Division
Paul M. Gilhuley became an elevator mechanic helper with New York City Housing Authority in 1983. “With Local 237, I have the support and security to raise my three fine young men,” said Gilhuley, who with his wife, Angela, reared three athletes at the top of their game, including two runners and a golfer.
School Safety Agent L3
NYPD
Manhattan Task Force
Citywide Division
Daniel O’Brien began his career as a school safety agent in 1997 and has worked in many schools. “I’m very proud to be a union member,” said O’Brien, whose father was a member of the bartenders’ union. O’Brien and his wife, Margaret, have three children and two grandchildren.
Night Custodian
Candlewood Middle School
Dix Hills
Long Island Division
Bryan Gallagher with nearly 30 years of service in Dix Hills recalls, “When I first started a coworker said, ‘You have to go to union meetings with me.’ The co-worker was a young blonde guy named Richie Hendershot,”’ now vice president of Local 237. Gallagher adds “It’s great to have a union….The benefits are great.” Gallagher and his wife, Jean, have two sons.
Elevator Mechanic
NYCHA
Housing Division
Robert Beale began his career in 2000 as an elevator mechanic helper. He is currently a shop steward for Manhattan North elevator mechanics. His father was an elevator operator and member of Local 32BJ. “We have to stand together,” said Beale. “Unions are under attack. We have to spread the word, we need unions to survive.” Beale, a former Marine, and his wife Theresa have three children.
Food Service Manager
District 11 – Bronx
Citywide Division
Mary O’Connor began her career as a cook in the 1990s and rose through the ranks to food service manager. She says she loves her job “because of the kids,” and enjoys their reactions to the different foods served in the schools. O’Connor and her husband, Pete Boyland, have two sons and a daughter, one grandson, and another on grandchild on the way.
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