Victorian Trades Hall Council. The voice of Victorian workers since 1856.Victorian Trades Hall Council. The voice of Victorian workers since 1856.

VALE FRANK GASPARINI

– Vale – Frank Gasparini

(Last Stonemasons Society Union Secretary)

by Brian Boyd, Secretary VTHC – 8 February 2006

On 25th January last, Comrade Frank Gasparini passed away at the age of 85.

Comrade Gasparini was the last full-time time Secretary of the Stonemasons Union before it formally amalgamated with the Building Workers Industrial Union (BWIU) in 1964.   Frank Gasparini stayed on at the BWIU, representing stone masons up until 1988.  The CFMEU eventually absorbed the BWIU in the early 1990’s.  Comrade Gasperini suffered for a number of years from silicosis arising from his work as a stonemason.  This disease finally claimed his life.

The stonemasons are famous worldwide for winning the eight-hour day in 1856.  This year marks the 150th Anniversary of that victory and the trade union movement is supporting a wide range of commemorative activities during the year (see elsewhere on VTHC website).  It is a fitting time for the union movement to acknowledge the great contribution Frank Gasparini made during his tenure at the Stonemasons Union.

During a discussion with CFMEU Vice-President Albert Littler late in 2005, Comrade Gasparini knew his time was nearly up.  He specifically asked on his death that the red flag at Trades Hall be lowered at half-mast on his behalf.  This request was duly carried out When trades Hall learned of his passing.

Our condolences go out to Comrade Gasparini’s family, friends and trade union comrades.


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