Joseph Stinger, 79, former International Vice President of the Western States, passed away unexpectedly on July 3, while at his river property in Maryland.
A Pennsylvania native, Stinger was born on Jan. 2, 1946. He served with distinction as an Airborne Ranger in Vietnam. Stinger received many Army awards and special recognitions during his time in the service, including the Valorous Unit Award, which is the Army’s second highest unit award and is given to units that display extraordinary heroism in combat.
Upon returning home to Pennsylvania, Stinger began his career as a Boilermaker, first with Monongahela Barge and Construction company and then, in 1967, as a railroad Boilermaker with the Monongahela Railroad. He joined Boilermakers Local 747 on Jan. 8, 1968, beginning nearly four decades of dedicated service to the union. During this time, Stinger also earned his associates degree and went on to graduate from Harvard University’s Trade Union program.
Stinger quickly emerged as a strong union leader. In 1977, he was elected General Chairman of the Railroad Division’s Eastern Region, where he represented members with skill and determination. He was re-elected in 1981 before being appointed International Rep in 1983. Over the next two decades, he advanced steadily through the union’s leadership ranks, holding various roles including: Director of the Railroad Division in 1984, Assistant to the International President and Administrative Assistant to the International President in 1996.
In recognition of his steady leadership and commitment to the membership, Stinger was elected International Vice President of the Western States, a position he held until his retirement in 2005. In addition to the union offices he held, he served on the boards of the Brotherhood Bank & Trust (now Bank of Labor), the Boilermaker Pension Fund and the Railroad Retirement Board.
Western States International Vice President, J. Tom Baca has good memories of Stinger. “I was very honored to call Joe a friend,” said IVP-WS Baca. “I was honored when he recommended me to be the next IVP for the Western States.”
Throughout his career, others respected Stinger as a man of integrity and discipline who demonstrated staunch loyalty to the union and its members. His work strengthened the Boilermakers and left a lasting mark on generations of tradesmen and tradeswomen.
While his family and friends will remember him for his warmth, humor and love of the outdoors, the Boilermakers will remember Stinger as a lifelong advocate for working men and women and as a leader who helped guide the Brotherhood with vision and resolve.
