For more than 60 years, UWUA Local 1-2 members have supported Rosary Hill, a New York hospice that provides free end-of-life care and relies entirely on donations. First launched in 1961, the effort continues to grow through coordinated member and retiree fundraising.
The tradition began when Con Edison employee and union steward Gus Pasquale visited Rosary Hill around Thanksgiving 1961 after giving a coworker a ride there. Moved by the care provided — and learning families were never charged — he launched a workplace drive called “Christmas Gifts for Rosary Hill.” Workers contributed money and personal items for residents, establishing an annual campaign.
“My father was overwhelmed by the level of care and compassion he saw there,” said retiree Mark Pasquale. “Once he learned it ran entirely on donations, he said, ‘We have to do something.’ What always amazed him — and still amazes me — is how generous working people are. It never mattered whether someone gave one dollar or a hundred — everybody wanted to help.”
In recent years, Local 1-2 renewed its focus on the campaign, partnering closely with the Con Edison retirees group to expand outreach. Retiree-led efforts — including a golf tournament — now generate a major share of contributions, alongside workplace outreach, union support, and donation matching.
“This is a cause that’s always been close to our hearts,” said Senior Business Agent Frank Dominguez. “By working together — active members, retirees, and union leadership — we’ve been able to make a real difference for people during the most difficult moments of their lives.” Dominguez also credited Local 1-2 President Frank Morales and longtime retiree Walter Klinky for helping bridge generations and sustain the tradition, noting that Klinky has remained deeply involved despite serious health challenges.
Recent annual totals have reached roughly $35,000–$40,000, with officers and retirees continuing the tradition of delivering donations in person each December.