It is with great sadness that I inform the membership of the passing of Jack J. Bove, former General Chairman, at the age of 92. Jack began his career as an electrician of the Long Island Railroad in 1948. He worked for thirty-four years, becoming active in the Local Union early on. Jack held several positions beginning as a committeeman, local chairman, treasurer, financial secretary and ultimately General Chairman, a position he held from 1971 until 1982. Jack was then appointed to the position of International Representative a position he held for twelve years, retiring in 1994.
Throughout his time as a Union Representative Jack was instrumental in obtaining the current five-day work week and the pension so many retirees now enjoy. Jack lived his life in the service of the working men and women who work in the rail industry working every day to make their lives better. Many of us were lucky to have known Jack and call him a friend. Today many of the benefits Electricians enjoy are directly related to the work Jack did. I consider myself especially blessed to have had the pleasure of talking with him and “picking” his mind as the former General Chairman. Jack was always willing to share his knowledge with me and any Union representative who needed help. All of Us who knew Jack and spent time with Jack are better off for that time.
To say he will be missed is an understatement. Jack was part of a group of labor leaders who changed our very lives. He was a railroader, as was his father. Jack also found time to serve his country as a soldier in Korea. Jack loved his family, country, and his union. His son and daughter continued the family tradition of working with the LIRR and the Labor movement.
May he rest in eternal peace.
Wake and Funeral Information:
Moloney’s Funeral Home (wake)
840 Wheeler Road (rte. 111)
Hauppauge, NY 11788
Sunday - October 10, 2021 7:00pm -9:00pm
Monday - October 11, 2021 2:00-4:00pm / 7:00-9:00pm
St. Thomas More Church (funeral)
115 Kings Highway
Hauppauge, NY 11788
Tuesday – October 12, 2021 at 9:45 am
(followed by Burial at St. Charles Cemetery Farmingdale)
In Solidarity,
Ricardo Sanchez, General Chairman