It is with great sadness that the NPMHU National Office announces the death of the beloved Sam D’Ambrosio, former Eastern Region Vice President and National Shop Steward Trainer for the NPMHU.  Sam retired in 2013, and subsequently moved with his wife Dee from Pittsburgh, PA to Phoenix, AZ so they could be near his son, his daughter-in-law, and his two grandchildren.

Sammy started his career as a Mail Handler in Pittsburgh, PA, working at the Bulk Mail Center and Network Distribution Center.  He served three terms as President of Local 322, and was first elected Eastern Region Vice President of the National Union in 1992, a position that he maintained for six terms or 24 years.  During those years, Sam served as Chair of the Union’s Constitution Committee and Chair of the Union’s Field Negotiating Committee on too many occasions to count, and also served as part of the Union’s National Negotiations Team in negotiations and arbitration leading to the 2011 National Agreement.  Also during those years, Sam worked on National grievances, served as Shop Steward Trainer, conducted training on casuals, FMLA, OSHA, arbitration advocacy, jurisdictional issues, and a host of other matters, and helped draft the first few versions of the Contract Interpretation Manual.  His accomplishments were routinely recognized by the membership, as he was re-elected without opposition and by acclamation of the delegates on many occasions.

Only a small part of Sam could be explained by his resume and his Union achievements.  Sam also possessed a unique personality that filled every room he entered, enjoyed every restaurant he visited, and made him a friend to thousands of Mail Handlers across the country.

Our heartfelt sympathies and condolences go out to Sam’s wife Dee and the rest of the D’Ambrosio family.  As further details become available, they will be shared with the Local Unions and the entire membership.