Cassandra A. Berrocal

A funeral service for Cassandra will be held Saturday, January 29, 2022 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at St. Patrick's Cathedral, E.50th St./5th Ave, NY, NY. Following the funeral service will be a committal service from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Raymond's Cemetery, 2600 Lafayette Ave, Bronx, NY.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.frankecampbell.com for the Berrocal family.

In lieu of flowers the family asked that donations be made to the following organizations in memory of Cassandra Berrocal. Thank you.

Workersdefenseleague.org

or

The Workers Defense League, Inc. • P.O. Box 618, Madison Square Station, New York, NY 10159 • p:(212) 627-1931 f: (212) 627-4628 Attn John Bloom

The family acknowledges with deep appreciation all the special acts of kindness extended to them during this time. They extend a heartfelt thank you to all. Due to health concerns there will no repass.

Littleflowerny.org

or

Little Flower Children and Family Services

Attention: Development Office

Attn: Ms N White

2450 N. Wading River Road

Wading River, NY 11792

Cassandra A. Berrocal - Eulogy

Cassandra A. Berrocal (known as Casey to many) was born on February 15, 1953 in Spanish Harlem, New York City to Martha and Victor Berrocal; she was predeceased by her beloved parents. Cassandra transitioned on January 15, 2022.

She grew up in a family with an abundance of love and is survived by her sisters Karen Berrocal Trusty, Amelia Berrocal and Millie Feliciano, her brother-in-law Alvin Trusty, her cousins Cheryl Brown, Ricky Furr, Lance Goulbourne, Alisa Scott, Kim Weiderhold, Selina and Martin and Joaquin Nagle, her niece Lauren, nephews Jonathan and Evander and all those who called her “Titi” Casey, her best friend Alice, her God Sister Idell Lawrence, her God Children Ashley, Ebony, Raquel and Brian and the many friends whom she loved, as well as the many thousands of her union brothers and sisters who she loved, pcared for and dedicated her life to.

Cassandra attended Parochial School and Public High School. She was a graduate of Empire State College Harry Van Arsdale Jr. School of Labor Studies, State University of New York and held a B.S. in Labor Management Relations. She was also a graduate of Cornell University New York State School of Industrial and Labor Relations Certificate Program and completed course studies at the George Meany Center for Labor Studies Certificate Program in Occupational Safety & Health Act Standards.

Cassandra’s commitment and dedication to her work was tireless. She started as a clerk and worked her way up to her most recent position as President of Local 3 United Storeworkers, of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), a District Council of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW). She was also a Vice-President of the RWDSU and an Advisory Board Member of the UFCW.

To Cassandra it didn’t matter if you were a company president, a stockroom clerk, a cook or ballerina, she believed that everyone should be treated fairly, with dignity and respect and she fought tirelessly to make that possible.

Cassandra’s efforts and commitment to “union life” was the result of growing up in a union family. Her Grandfather was a founding member of the National Maritime Union. Her Grandmother was a member of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union. Her Father was a member of the Transport Workers Union. Her Mother was a member of both District Council 37 A.F.S.C.M.E. and Communication Workers of America. Her Aunt Ida Torres was past President of Local 3 United Storeworkers RWDSU, Her Sisters, Amelia and Karen, are members of the Correction Officers Benevolent Association and the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union.

Cassandra also served as the President of the Hispanic Labor Committee, an Advisory Committee of the New York City Central Labor Council (NYCCLC) and she was also a Delegate of the council. She represented the RWDSU and the UFCW on the National Executive Board of the Coalition of Labor Union Women and served on the Executive Committee of the New York Branch N.A.A.C.P. She was also an Executive Committee Member, serving as Diversity Co-Chair of the UFCW Women’s Network, Executive Board Member of the UFCW Minority Coalition and she served as a Vice-President of the UFCW United Latinos.

Cassandra was a member of the National and New York Branch N.A.A.C.P., Coalition of Labor Union Women, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Hispanic Labor Committee, Jewish Labor Committee, A. Philip Randolph Institute and the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, an arm of the AFL-CIO.

Cassandra was the proud recipient of the New York Branch N.A.A.C.P.’s Freedom Award, for her tireless efforts to improve the quality of life for all new Yorkers and her unwavering commitment to social and economic justice and the NAACP’s Admiral’s Award for services above and beyond the call of duty on the stormy waters of Racial and Civil Injustices. She was also the recipient of the New York Branch N.A.A.C.P. Phenomenal Woman Award for her lifetime Commitment to the cause of Human and Civil Rights, another proud achievement.

She was recognized by the State of New York Office of the Comptroller – Thomas P. Di Napoli and received a Congressional Certificate of Recognition from Congressman Steve Israel for excellence in Community Service, Public Service and Leadership. She was the recipient of the New York State Black and Puerto Rican Legislators 2017 Beacon Light Award.

Anyone who knew Cassandra knew that she was warm, loving, giving, kind and a good listener, but we also knew that she was a fighter, a woman of faith and had the strength of her convictions. We would often hear Casey say “Solidarity Forever”, “Si Se Puede, Yes We Can”, and “Love You More”. Her three favorite sayings.

Casey will always be remembered for her warmth, openness, her beautiful smile and dedication to her family and friends. She was a shining star, whose light has dimmed much sooner than any of us would have wanted it to, she loved and was loved and will be dearly missed by all. May she Rest In Peace.

The family acknowledges with deep appreciation all the special acts of kindness extended to them during this time. They extend a heartfelt thank you to all. God Bless.