Leon “Sonny” George, #1 Train Operator, 77, Laid to Rest in Brooklyn

OCTOBER 1 -- Leon George, first in seniority among Train Operators working for New York City Transit, was escorted to his final resting place by family and friends after a heartfelt funeral service at the Guarino Funeral Home in Canarsie, Brooklyn. The 47-year NYCT veteran was remembered as a loving man by family members and as an example of professionalism by his co-workers.

Some 600 rank and file union members attended the five-hour viewing on Sunday, September 30th. The funeral service was held at 10 AM on Monday, October 1. In brief remarks, RTO Vice President Joe Costales recalled how George came up to him one day at Stillwell terminal where he was driving the F train. “He knew me as the union man,” Costales told the mourners. “And he asked me how to fill out a sick form. I couldn’t believe it – he had at the time over 30 years on the job and had never taken a day off.” Costales added that Local 100 is in discussions with management to get a facility named after George to honor his life of service to transit.

Local 100 President Tony Utano attended both the viewing and the funeral along with other top officers. The union arranged for two NYCT buses to transport members to the viewing. The TWU/MTA Ceremonial Unit displayed their usual high level of professionalism at the event and escorted the casket from the funeral home as Brother George went to his final resting place after Monday’s service.