Former Local 804 President and Teamsters General President Ron Carey was laid to rest on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 after a funeral service at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament.

Ron’s sons remembered their father as a fighter who went out strong.

Near the end of the service, Ron’s ten year-old grandson, Danny, rose to speak.  Danny said: “I wasn’t born yet when my grandfather was President of the Teamsters Union. From watching videos, I can see what an inspiration he was. In 1997, Bill Clinton told my grandfather to stop the UPS strike. My grandfather said “No” to the President of the United States, because he had to do what was right for his people. I think the reason my grandfather wasn’t President of the Teamsters longer is because a man as honest and courageous as him could not be allowed to be President of the Union.”

You could hear a pin drop. And then Teamsters and family members alike exploded in applause that went on and on as tears welled up in the eyes of many of the Local 804 members in attendance.

The Carey family extended its thanks to the Teamster brothers and sisters who came from across the country to honor Ron over the last few days, including the many Local 804 members and retirees who paid their respects.

In his eulogy, Father Bob called Ron Carey a true American Hero and said our job is to carry on his legacy in our own lives.

Amen.

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