Union Mourns Connail Friel, 87, Retired MaBSTOA Division 2 Chair

TWU Local 100 is mourning the passing of retired MaBSTOA Division 2 Chair Connail “Connie” Friel.  His family said that he died peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 9, 2022.  He was 87 and had been retired from union service since 2003.

Brother Friel was born on April 9, 1934 in Mount Charles Co. Donegal, Ireland. He emigrated to the US at the age of 18 and was married to the love of his life, Theresa Friel (nee Sammon) for 62 years.

He started with NYCT as a Bus Operator, and became Chairman of the old Coliseum Depot before moving to Kingsbridge Depot where he served for 30 years prior to retirement. He then became a member of the TWU Retirees Association.

Local 100 President Tony Utano said, “Connie was a loyal TWU member and effected officer of this union for many years.  He served his members at Kingsbridge Depot and MaBSTOA Division 2 with great dedication. Our union owes him a great debt of gratitude. We all send our deepest sympathies to his family here and in Ireland.”

He is survived by a son, Connail Friel, Jr. and daughter, Eileen Stivale (nee Friel), five grandchildren, five great grandchildren, four brothers and sisters, and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Theresa, and son, Eamon.

Visitation will be held, today, Wednesday, April 13th 2PM-5PM at Williams Funeral Home at 5628m Broadway (232nd Street), Bronx, NY 10463. A private burial service for family and close friends will be held at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Valhalla, NY by invitation only.