Vice General Chairperson Tessitore Retires After 30-Year Career

With immense gratitude and thanks for his contributions to the transportation and labor communities, SMART-TD announces the retirement of GCA 505 Vice General Chairperson Vincent Tessitore, Jr.  
 
Over the past 30 years, he has dedicated himself to serving his membership with a focus on safety, leadership, and advocacy, cementing his impactful legacy.  

Behind the scenes, Brother Tessitore was a major force behind LIRR’s Crew Consist Agreement and the new Conductor Training Agreement, both of which protect many members’ jobs.  
 
GCA 505 General Chairperson Anthony Simon explained that no words can fully describe his relationship and bond with Brother Tessitore. 
 
“Vinnie was not just my union brother: he’s been like a true brother to me,” he said. “In the midst of some of the most challenging battles, Vinnie never wavered and stood firmly by my side and by our members. His strength and dedication to our union ensured that we always emerged stronger and more united.”  
 
SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson thanked Brother Tessitore for the lasting impact that he’s left on our union and the legacy that he built.  
 
“Vinnie is the epitome of what it means to be a member of SMART-TD. He is committed to his craft, loyal to his members, and a true leader both in the craft and as a general committee officer and long-time delegate to our international conventions” he said. “Our brothers and sisters on the Long Island Rail Road are better off because of his passion for fighting for them every day. I’m grateful for his friendship and his many years of service to our union and will miss him as he embarks on his well-deserved retirement.” 
 
Brother Tessitore hired on as an Assistant Conductor with the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) in 1994 and qualified as a Conductor four years later.  
 
After pivoting to a new role as a Training Specialist in 1999, he went on to train more than 700 transportation department employees before returning to the craft in 2005.  
 
The following year, Brother Tessitore was elected Vice President of his home Local (465) before being chosen as Chairperson in 2007, followed by his appointment as the labor member of the MTA Board that same year.  
 
His passion for advocating for SMART-TD members’ rights continued after becoming Vice General Chairperson of GCA 505, capping off a career that was centered on both dedication to his craft and determination to make life better for all workers in the transportation industry.  
 
SMART-TD congratulates Brother Tessitore on his retirement and wishes him all the best as he enjoys more time with his wife, Sari, his three sons, and his new grandson, Vincent!