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The Communicator
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| They made a difference Unique contributions of PEF activists sorely missed By DEBORAH A. MILES While the loss of every PEF member who died in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center last year has left a painful void in the hearts of families, friends and co-workers, two of those lost were torn from the fabric of their union. Dianne Gladstone and Stephen Lefkowitz were taking on increasingly larger responsibilities in PEF Division 290 at the state Department of Taxation and Finance, but they were lost to their division just when its members needed them most.  Dianne GladstoneRetracing the footsteps of Dianne Gladstone, it seems this PEF activist would have liked to be remembered more for how she lived, than how she died — on the 86th floor of 2 World Trade Center. “Her passing leaves a void among those who worked with her,” said PEF member Barry Rachnowitz. “Dianne played an active role in every phase of union involvement. She did business in a different way — she was a peacemaker. “Her goals focused on improving working conditions and helping to solve any employee problems,” he said. Gladstone attended several PEF conventions, enjoyed her role as a steward and devoted a lot of time to her role as the PEF representative in the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). “Dianne volunteered her time and energy in countless ways,” Rachnowitz said. “She made a difference by being a reliable, consistent and compassionate person, no matter who came to her for help.” When Gladstone, a tax auditor, wasn’t lending a helping hand with work issues, you would find her advocating for animal rights. “Dianne always cared about human life.” Rachnowitz said. “She went out of her way to protect people, as well as being involved in protecting animals.” Blessed with a 30-year marriage to her husband, Herb, Gladstone also adored Josh, a German shepherd who was her sidekick for 10 years. “There hasn’t been a day when I didn’t think of her. Dianne was truly one of the best people I have ever met,” Rachnowitz said. “Her friendship is deeply missed.” Stephen LefkowitzSteven Lefkowitz, also a tax auditor, is best remembered as a strong advocate for the TransitChek program — pressing state leaders to allow state workers to use pre-tax dollars to purchase commuter tickets, as some other employee groups can do. “He had the type of personality to become a real mover and shaker in the union,” said Division 290 Council Leader Norman Light. “Steve became a PEF convention delegate, but passed away before the 2001 convention. He also wanted to run for shop steward,” Light said. “Steve wanted to grow as a union leader in PEF,” added member David Rothschild. “I thought of him as a big brother. When I started with the state about nine years ago, he showed me around and helped me to get adjusted.” “A very religious person, Steve participated in many activities at his synagogue. He also volunteered in the Big Brother program and organized various fundraisers,” Rothschild said. “He just continued to give of himself.” In his hometown of Belle Harbor, Lefkowitz spearheaded plans for a neighborhood playground. After his death, the community officially named the park after him. He leaves behind his wife Sara, and a 7-year-old son, Daniel. “He wouldn’t want any fanfare,” Rothschild said. “I would describe Steve as being very humble and modest. He would be grateful for those who survived. He would probably tell them to keep going, work harder and be successful.”  - Artist’s rendering PEF to dedicate memorial to its fallen members A permanent memorial will be dedicated on September 11 at PEF headquarters to pay tribute to the members who have died in the line of duty since PEF was established in 1979. The memorial will include the names of those who perished in the attack on the World Trade Center — the 31 members from the state Department of Tax and Finance and the three members from the state Department of Transportation. It will also list the names of PEF’s fallen parole officers and members from the state Office of Mental Health and state Education Department. “This memorial is dedicated to 43 of our lost members and will be a permanent reminder to honor our missing friends,” said PEF President Roger Benson. “Our union was founded on the ideals of service and community. The greatest tribute we can pay our fallen colleagues is to stand up and live out the ideals to which America has always aspired.” “PEF leaders recognize the need to create a fitting tribute to our brothers and sisters who were public employees and lost their lives while working for the state,” said PEF Vice President Pat Baker. “It’s important we honor them with a permanent memorial.” The memorial will be the focal point of a small garden with benches at PEF headquarters in Latham. It will feature a 6-foot granite stone etched with “The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) honors the memory of all our members who have been killed on the job. You will always be in our hearts and thoughts,” followed by the names of members. — Deborah A. Miles More Related Stories: |
REMEMBERING — Peter Riso poses
with a WTC memorial plaque at PEF headquarters.
