June 15, 1950 – September 15, 2025
The rail labor community has lost a pioneer, a protector, and a brother in the fight.
York D. Poole, III—known to railroaders across the Eastern United States as simply “York”—passed away peacefully on September 15, 2025, in his hometown of Portsmouth, Virginia, at the age of 75.
For half a century, York fought to defend railroaders from the abusive practices of the corporations that employed them. His success as the first dedicated investigator revolutionized the way Designated Legal Counsel (DLC) firms gather evidence to defend railroad workers.
A Trailblazer for Railroaders’ Rights
In 1975, Willard J. Moody Sr., founder of The Moody Law Firm, hired York as the very first investigator. Before York, attorneys often relied on insurance representatives and clerical staff for background assistance, but there was no one gathering evidence directly from the yards and accident sites. Moody and York changed that.
As the now-head of the firm Will Moody reflected:
“Nobody who met York ever seemed to forget him.”
He became the eyes and ears for railroaders fighting back. He was out on the tracks, in the yards, and at the accident scenes collecting witness statements, photographing unsafe conditions, and building the evidence needed to level the playing field against powerful rail corporations.
From that day forward, York wasn’t just doing a job. He was building a profession that others would follow.
“When I came on board, my father assigned me to work with York and learn the craft of defending railroaders. York taught me not only how to take witness statements, but also how to treat people. He was a natural,” Moody explained.
So transformative was York’s role that upon his retirement this year, it took seven investigators to cover the territory he had once managed on his own.
A Familiar Face, A Trusted Friend
York’s work carried him from Virginia throughout the Eastern United States. Despite his vast territory, he somehow managed to make himself a regular in every local meeting. As Ronnie Hobbs, SMART-TD’s Virginia State Safety and Legislative Director, put it:
“The reason York was so good at his job and so well loved, was that he treated everyone as equals. He saw every railroader as worthy of his respect and wasn’t intimidated by any railroad manager. He gave everyone his time and full attention.”
It was this ability to connect, to listen, and to fight with dignity that made him unforgettable. He matched wits against the stacked deck railroaders faced every day, and he did it with class.
Born to be an Investigator
What few know is that when York started with the Moody firm, he intended to pursue a career as a lawyer himself. As he was learning the job, he fell in love with fighting the railroad. He decided to change course and remained in the investigator role he had invented.
At his retirement party, held just days before his passing, he made it clear why: he loved what he did. He loved defending his brothers and sisters in rail labor.
From the first day in 1975 until his last day in 2025, York was committed to shielding workers from physical harm, unjust discipline, and career-ending retaliation. His work was not just a job; it was a calling.
The Man Behind the Mission
Beyond his professional legacy, York was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was stubborn, hilarious, endlessly generous, and—above all—devoted to his family.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Susan Poole; his children Tiffany Romano (Michael Romano) and Kip Poole (Kristin Poole); his cherished grandchildren Colin, Ellie, and Grace; and his sister, Sylvia Mclawhorn.
Those closest to him will remember his humor, his booming conversations, his deep generosity, and his fondness for a glass of red wine. His colleagues will remember a man who lifted others up, who set a standard for professionalism and compassion, and who helped build a movement to protect rail labor.
Services and Remembrance
Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 18, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Green Acres Presbyterian Church in Portsmouth, Virginia. A funeral service will follow on Friday, September 19, at 11:00 AM at the same location.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in York’s memory to the American Diabetes Association or The CROP Foundation. (This is a charitable foundation founded and run by York’s son Kip that teaches underprivileged youth the craft of being a chef.)
A Lasting Legacy
The SMART Transportation Division will not forget York Dudley Poole III. The next time railroaders gather to trade war stories, may they raise a glass (preferably red wine) in honor of York Poole, a pioneer, a protector, and a brother whose memory will forever remain.
