John Thomas Ahern

Emerald Isle Immigration Center (EIIC) Chairman Brian O'Dwyer, Executive Director, Siobhan Dennehy, the Executive Committee, Board and staff mourn the death of their longtime board member and dear friend John "Jack " Ahern. Jack was an exceptional Irish American and supported the entire community and EIIC at every opportunity.

John "Jack" Thomas Ahern died in his home in Old Westbury on June 17, 2014, surrounded by his family. Jack was born in Brooklyn to Jack and Margaret (Henry) Ahern on November 3, 1953. He graduated from Nazareth High School and attended Brooklyn College. In 1983 Jack married his wife Susan, and was the proud father of Corey, Taryn, and Michael.

In 1974, Jack began his service in the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 30 as an apprentice and rose through the ranks of the mechanical and engineering workers' union. He was elected Business Manager and Financial Secretary of IUOE Local 30 in 1999 and remained in those positions until his death. He was a labor leader for over 35 years and represented over 4,600 members in both the private and public sector. Jack's dedication to the labor movement ran deep and he was honored to advocate for the rights of working people everywhere.

Jack also served as Chairman of the Trustees to the International Union of Operating Engineers and Trustee of the IUOE Northeastern Conference. In addition, Jack served as Vice-Chairperson of the NYC Municipal Labor Committee, Executive Board member of the NY Building Congress, and a member of the Board of Trustees for Molloy College.

Jack was very active in the Irish-American community and was exceptionally proud of his heritage. He traced his roots to County Cork and County Longford, and was a proud third generation member of the County Cork Association. Jack was honored to serve as the 253rd Grand Marshal of the NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade earlier this year. He was also the Grand Marshal of the Rockaway St. Patrick's Day Parade in 2000 and 2013. He received numerous awards and acknowledgements, including Irishman of the Year at the 2013 Great Irish Fair in Coney Island and 2013 Labor Leader of the Year by the Knights of St. Patrick.

Jack will be forever loved and perpetually missed by his wife, Susan, and his children, Corey (Jennifer), Taryn, and Michael. Jack is survived by his mother, Margaret Ahern, his brother, Liam Ahern (Nuala), sisters, Christine Rizzo (Frank), and Karen Turton (Darren), 11 nieces and nephews, 4 grand nieces and nephews, as well as a multitude of extended family, friends, and fellow union members.

Jack will be remembered as a loving family man, a strong labor leader, and a proud Irish-American.

In lieu of flowers, donations requested to the Emerald Isle Immigration Center, 59-26 Woodside Ave., Woodside, NY, 11377, (718) 478-5502 . For funeral arrangement and additional donation details on how to donate via PAYPAL check the EIIC website: www.eiic.org