AFTNJ President Donna M. Chiera suggested members honor recently deceased former Newark Teachers Union President Joe Del Grosso’s memory by being fearless in the face of adversity. “Joe spent time in jail for striking as a rookie teacher in Newark, helping to strengthen and fortify bargaining rights for teachers and public workers. Those of us who have been around the fight for workers’ rights and public education in New Jersey for many years know Joe Del Grosso as a force to be reckoned with.”
AFTNJ Treasurer Joseph D. Amabile is a culinary arts teacher in Newark. “When I was a brand new member of the Newark Teachers Union, Joe Del Grosso opened the door and welcomed me in with open arms. He spent decades protecting the members of the NTU so you always felt safe with ‘Joey’ in the room. I will always be grateful for this, and everything I learned from him over the years.”