Bob Kasen 1935-1999

Read Cheri Honkala's tribute to Bob Kasen.

See the Bob Kasen Memorial Wall

Robert Louis Kasen was born to Jean and David Kasen in Brooklyn, New York on January 20, 1935. His sister is Carole Gurton and his nephews Stephen and Marc Gurton. He was married to Linda Nelson; their children are Nancy (Son-in-law Stephen Ritchie and grandchildren Dianna and Jessica) and Leslie (Son-in-law Thomas Clark). His wife, and partner in justice, is Cecelia Perry.

After graduating from Hobart College in New York, Bob worked for a number of weekly and daily newspapers in New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Massachusetts. He was drafted into the US Army in 1956.

In the early 1960s, Bob began what would become more than 35 years of struggle for social and economic justice. He worked on a number of political campaigns, but his heart was always in the labor and civil rights movements. After working as Public Relations Director of the International Chemical Workers Union from 1965 to 1970. He was hired by Walter Reuther in 1970 to serve as Public Relations Director for the Alliance for Labor Action - International unions that bended together in pursuit of a progressive political agenda.

In 1972 Bob went to work for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters as Special Projects Director where he created, wrote and edited a weekly publication called FOCUS for 10,000 local union officers nationwide. After leaving the Teamsters, Bob was actively engaged in the effort to block the George Wallace campaign for the 1976 Democratic Presidential Nomination. As a member of the staff of the American Federation of State, County, Municipal Workers Union, Bob was active in organizing campaigns in various states.

Returning to the International Chemical Workers Union (as Organizing Director, Public Relations Director, and Assistant to a succession of Presidents), Bob's proudest moment came in a challenge to plan and organize the Committee for Justice in Mississippi. Between 1979 and 1980, the Committee brought together hundreds of organizations to support national demonstrations for striking workers at Sanderson Poultry Farms in Laurel, Mississippi. The largest union demonstration in Mississippi history, over 5,000 demonstrators attracted national attention, sparking a renewed interest in the plight of low-paid, poorly treated African-American workers in the deep South.

Beginning in 1980, Bob was actively involved in the National Anti-Klan Network's in rallying support for the Spring Offensive People's Lobby on May 4-5, 1981. During this period he also organized various worker health and safety struggles; particularly notable was his work in identifying work-related cancer victims in Georgia.

In 1981, he served as a senior campaign strategist for the campaign to elect Tony Mazzocchi as president of the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers International Union. From 1981 to 1992, Bob's extensive experience allowed him to assist in diverse trade union struggles as an advisor, writer and organizer. In 1992, he began work on the founding of the Labor Party, his ultimate ambition which was realized in 1996.

Our Friend and Brother Bob Kasen never let us forget our responsibility to participate in the continuing struggle for justice. His gregarious nature and his trademark persistence is irreplaceable in our collective efforts to create a world free of injustice. One did not have to know Bob long to understand his adoration of and respect for his bride, Cecilia. He was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend. We will all miss his decency and commitment to justice and equality.