CSEA mourns the loss of Southern Region President Anthony Adamo

ALBANY, NY (01/07/2026) (readMedia)-- CSEA is mourning the loss of Southern Region President Anthony Adamo, who passed away this week. He was 46.

"Anthony embodied what it means to be a union leader," said CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan. "He believed deeply in standing up for working people and never hesitated to fight for his members. Anthony was an extremely passionate person and made a lasting impact on our union. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the countless members whose lives he touched."

Born in Flushing, Queens, Anthony graduated from New Paltz High School. He started working at SUNY New Paltz in 1999. Shortly after he was hired at the college, Anthony stepped up as a union activist in CSEA's SUNY New Paltz Local, beginning his work as a shop steward and grievance representative. In 2009, Anthony was elected local president, serving for 10 years. During this time, he served as the chair of our union's Statewide Political Action Committee.

Anthony became Southern Region President in 2019 following the retirement of Billy Riccaldo. He was elected as region president in 2020 and re-elected in 2024. He also served as an AFSCME delegate and as Vice President of the NYS AFL-CIO.

"Anthony was very close to my heart," said Sullivan. "I had the privilege of mentoring him and watching him grow into a future leader of this union. His passing is heartbreaking for the brothers and sisters he served alongside, for the many friends he made across CSEA, and for all of us who loved him. We have lost not only a leader, but a dear friend and a true member of our union family."