Alfred Kendall Orsatti

"Ken served this union with loyalty and devotion for nearly 40 years and touched many people in the entertainment industry labor scene," SAG President Ken Howard said in a statement "He will long be remembered for wholeheartedly working to protect the rights of our members."

Born and raised in Santa Monica, Orsatti began his labor career with the other major actors union, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artist, in 1960. He became a theatrical business representative for SAG the following year, and rose through the ranks until 1981, when he began his two-decade stint as national executive director.

As the union's chief negotiator, Orsatti helped hammer out approximately 20 major Guild contracts. He was also a trustee of the SAG Producers Pension and Health Plans for 35 years and helped found the Screen Actors Guild Foundation. He was involved with numerous industry, labor and civic groups.

Orsatti's survivors include Patricia, his wife of 49 years; sons Scott, Christopher and Sean; and grandchildren Adam, Anthony, Gianna, Kenny, Nolan and Kenzie.

A Memorial service will be held at 1:30pm, Friday, September 10, 2010, at St. Bernardine of Sienna Catholic Church,

located at 24410 Calvert Street, Woodland Hills, California. Following the service will be a reception at St. Bernardine Parish Hall.

Arrangements under the direction of Gates, Kingsley & Gates Praiswater Mortuary, Canoga Park, California