Richard Passarelli, who transformed employment opportunities for veterans in the utility industry, retired from his roles as UWUA’s Director of Veterans Affairs and Veterans Committee Chair on February 1. His departure marks the culmination of a remarkable career spanning over three decades in union leadership and veterans’ advocacy.
“Rick left an indelible mark on this organization, especially on all of the veterans he interacted with through the Utility Workers Military Assistance Program and his work leading the Veterans Committee,” said UWUA President James Slevin. “He worked to grow UMAP from a Chicago-based program to something that had a national impact. He’s a tireless advocate for veterans, their mental health and for all UWUA members. The UWUA is better for all of his contributions over the years.”
Passarelli’s journey began in 1987 when he joined UWUA Local 18007 at Peoples Gas as a laborer fresh out of the U.S. Navy. Rising through the local’s leadership ranks from shop steward to business manager, he identified a critical opportunity in 2011 when veteran unemployment surged to 11% as troops returned from Iraq and Afghanistan.
“I met with the CEO of Peoples Gas about an idea I had for starting a program to help veterans,” Passarelli recalls. That conversation led to the creation of UMAP. Initially launched as a Local 18007 project, UMAP quickly proved its value and, in 2012, expanded nationally through UWUA’s Power for America Training Trust. Since then, UMAP has trained over 800 veterans in Chicago and expanded to Michigan and Southern California.
In 2011, the UWUA Executive Board established the National Veterans Committee and appointed Passarelli as its first chair. Under his leadership, the committee helped create local veterans’ committees across the country. His work earned him numerous honors, including the National Veterans in Excellence Award. In 2019, he joined UWUA as Director of Veterans Affairs.
Post-retirement, Passarelli will continue his advocacy work with the Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, a long-term UMAP partner. As labor liaison, he’ll ensure UMAP’s continued success and expand the model to other unions. He’ll also support Dixon’s effort to develop a comprehensive Substance Abuse, Mental Health, and Wellness Resource Program for veterans and the broader union community. He emphasizes the need for streamlined access to crisis resources: “When you need help, you shouldn’t have to make dozens of calls and navigate the insurance labyrinth.”
Reflecting on his career, Passarelli remains focused on UMAP’s future: “I’m hopeful we can expand it to more locals and make it a standard topic in contract bargaining. It’s a win-win-win — helping those who served our country while growing our union’s membership and providing a skilled workforce for our employers.”
UWUA Secretary-Treasurer Mike Coleman said, “Rick and I worked together for many years — from leading our individual local unions, as UWUA executive board members, and to our respective positions in leadership of the National union. Three words describe Rick: integrity, dedication, and sacrifice. He’s always there when you need a fresh perspective both professionally and personally. I sincerely wish Rick and his family health and happiness in their next chapter.”
Passarelli and his wife Lynn plan to split their retirement between Wisconsin and Florida. Their legacy continues through their sons, Danny and Nick, the latter serving as Recording Secretary at Local 18007, and six grandsons.