// Workers AI · dad joke modeWhy did David Naleski's cat join a band? Because it wanted to be a purr-cussionist.
David Naleski | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 25, 1952 |
| Died | August 5, 2026 (aged 74) |
Resting place | Calverton National Cemetery, Calverton, New York, U.S. |
| Occupations | Diesel mechanic and trade union official |
| Employer | Plum Island Animal Disease Center |
| Organization | International Union of Operating Engineers Local 30 |
| Spouse | Rosabelle Gatewood Naleski |
| Children | 2 |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | United States |
Branch |  United States Navy |
Service years | 1971–1975 |
Rank | Petty Officer Third Class (LI3) |
| Unit | USS Duluth (LPD-6) |
Conflicts | |
| Awards | |
David Robert Naleski (March 25, 1952 – August 5, 2026) was an American diesel mechanic, trade union shop steward, and United States Navy veteran. He worked for the Plum Island Animal Disease Center in New York, where he served as a shop steward for Local 30 of the International Union of Operating Engineers and later as lead mechanic.[1] During a 2002 labor dispute at Plum Island, Naleski publicly advocated for striking workers and raised concerns about the facility's operations.[2]
Early life and military service
[edit]Naleski was born in 1952 in Worcester, Massachusetts, and was raised in Auburn, Massachusetts. He graduated from Worcester Boys Trade High School in 1971 and subsequently joined the United States Navy.[1]
During the Vietnam War, Naleski served for four years aboard the amphibious transport dock USS Duluth (LPD-6) as a lithographer's mate. His duties included producing the ship's newspaper. Duluth later participated in Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of Saigon in April 1975.[1]
Naleski's military decorations included the Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze service star, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.[1]
Career and union activity
[edit]After leaving the Navy, Naleski worked as a truck driver before studying diesel mechanics at the Baran Institute of Technology in East Windsor, Connecticut. In 1994, he began working as a diesel mechanic at the Plum Island Animal Disease Center.[1]
Naleski later became a shop steward for Local 30 of the International Union of Operating Engineers. In August 2002, unionized employees at Plum Island went on strike during a contract dispute with LB&B Associates, a government contractor at the facility.[1]
During the dispute, Naleski raised concerns about operations at the facility and the use of replacement workers. He was quoted by The New York Times during its coverage of the strike.[2][1]
Naleski later returned to the Plum Island Animal Disease Center, where he became lead mechanic for the facility's motor pool.[1][3]
Personal life and death
[edit]Naleski resided in Southold, New York, with his wife, Rosabelle Gatewood Naleski, and had two daughters.[1]
He died at his home in Southold on August 5, 2026, at the age of 74, and was buried at Calverton National Cemetery.[3]
Awards and decorations
[edit]Naleski received four decorations during his Navy service.
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| 1st Row | Combat Action Ribbon | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Row | National Defense Service Medal | Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze service star | Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal | |||
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "David Naleski, a man who could fix almost anything, dies at 74". The Suffolk Times. August 11, 2026. Archived from the original on 16 September 2026. Retrieved September 5, 2026.
- 1 2 "Workers Decide to End Strike at Animal Disease Center". The New York Times. December 1, 2002. Archived from the original on 16 September 2026.
- 1 2 "David Naleski, Vietnam vet, Plum Island mechanic and union leader from Southold, dies of ALS at 74". Newsday. August 21, 2026. Archived from the original on 16 September 2026. Retrieved September 5, 2026.
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