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David Bloodsworth Obituary

AMHERST - David Reinhard Bloodsworth of Amherst, a professor of Labor Studies at the University of Massachusetts and a noted arbitrator, died Friday, Oct. 11, 2012 at his home. He was 75, and had lived in Amherst since 1972.
Bloodsworth began his career in labor relations after graduating from the University of Massachusetts in 1968 with a master's degree in labor studies. In 1972, after working for the National Center for Dispute Settlement in Boston, he returned to the university to become assistant director of its Labor Relations and Research Center, a graduate program, where most of his time was devoted to teaching.
While maintaining his academic schedule, Bloodsworth was also an active arbitrator, overseeing labor dispute cases throughout New England. He was known for his balanced approach to the arbitration process, and a steadfast belief in the adherence to law. Throughout his career, he settled a number of important labor cases, including a 1994 pay dispute between the Carmen's Union and the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority, which involved ridership and the Authority's bottom line. He also volunteered his time to the town of Amherst, twice helping the town to reach accord with the Teachers' Union during protracted and sometimes intense battles in the 1980s.
Bloodsworth was a keen researcher into municipal and private-sector systems, publishing his studies in academic review journals, and he was regarded as a clear, concise and fair reviewer of current books and papers in his field. In 1978, he was elected to the National Academy of Arbitrators. He was also a member of the American Arbitration Association and the Labor Guild of the Archdiocese of Boston.
After his official retirement in 1997 from the university, where he had served for 25 years as assistant director of the Labor Relations and Research Center, Bloodsworth remained active in local and national labor affairs. He helped to organize labor actions on campus, including one for the United Farmworkers. He also used his expertise in serving on Amherst's Landlord-Tenants Committee and on the UMass Parking Commission.
Born in Arlington to Frederick and Agnes Bernice (Coyne) Bloodsworth, Bloodsworth was a 1956 graduate of the Belmont Hill School. After attending the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, he spent 18 months in the U.S. Army at Fort Jackson, S.C. during the Vietnam War. He then returned to school, earning a bachelor's degree from Suffolk University and master's degree from UMass.
An unabashed liberal with a dry wit and a mischievous streak, he was the guy you wanted to sit next to at a party, the one with whom you could trade observations and comment on the current state of politics, pomposity and fashion. Among friends and family, he was regarded as a wonderful storyteller who always had a joke, an anecdote, or a slightly off-color song to share for any occasion.
He leaves his wife, Carolyn (DiVenere) Bloodsworth of Amherst; a son, David Hayden Bloodsworth and his wife, Jocelyn, of Brockton; a daughter, Sarah Bloodsworth, of New York City; a brother, John, of Edina, Minn.; a sister, Lois Marello of Emerald Isle, N.C.; two granddaughters, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A memorial service will be held next summer on Cape Cod.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, or the Catholic Labor Guild.
Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com

To sign a Guest Book, express condolences, share memories and read other obituaries, go to www.gazettenet.com/obituaries.

Published by Daily Hampshire Gazette on Oct. 15, 2012.
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Gordon McClelland

October 11, 2021

Gordon McClelland

October 9, 2020

It was truly a privilege to have had David as a professor. He taught me so much during my time at LRRC and did have a great sense of humor. He oversaw my internship with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination which made the experience more than expected. I also had the rare opportunity to attend an arbitration session followed up with a lunch with David – an experience I will cherish. It seems like yesterday. The LRRC family has lost a treasure as he gave so much to us individually and collectively. Geoff Dubiski - LRRC 1994

Geoff Dubiski

November 14, 2012

In the winter of 1975 I had the fortune to join the LRRC for a semester as a visiting professor from Sweden. It was the beginnng of a long friendship which included our families.My thoughts go to Carolyn and their children and grandchildren in their loss of David.

Bernt Schiller

November 12, 2012

An amazing man that I will miss seeing monthly.

Miranda Lauziere

November 9, 2012

David was my former professor and fellow arbitrator. I will always credit David for encouraging me to apply for successful admission to the NAA. I am saddened by his passing. It was always a pleasure seeing him on the labor relations trail and discussing issues with him. The labor relations community has lost a respected and quality arbitrator.

Richard Boulanger

October 30, 2012

He was the “go to” guy. When it needed “gittin' done,” David made it happen, and with no fanfare. A quiet, solid, “got your back” kind of guy. You won't meet another one like him in your lifetime.

Gordon McClelland

October 28, 2012

I enjoyed getting to know David during the early through mid- 1970s. Thanks to David, I became an LRRC grad student and had a wonderful time as one of the activists in the U-Mass grad student union movement. I enjoyed taking a class with him. I well always be in debt to David for inviting me to join the LRRC in the winter of 1975 as a grad student [while Harvey was on sabbatical in Europe] and getting me started on a career in labor studies. I have fond memories of David as a teacher, scholar and friend. Thanks; Professor John L. Revitte, MSU Labor Relations.

John Revitte

October 28, 2012

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of David. He was a great teacher, mentor and friend who started a lot of us on our careers in the labor movement.

Frank Callahan

October 26, 2012

A great teacher and a great guy.

Martin Comack

October 24, 2012

Sad to learn of David's passing,We go back to the original gang from Belmont Hill days.Peter Burke and me are only ones left.David was a special friend to us and our children,as he planted the seed of Umass in all three.We also were lucky to spend many great Amherst weekends with you guys. Our thoughts are with you. David was one of a kind! Judy &Billy Hill

william hill

October 15, 2012

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