Chris Cusack

Our union is saddened to announce the passing of Chris Cusack, a dedicated Union Officer who served the HTC membership for several decades.

Chris started his involvement with the union in 1979 at NYC hotels. During his long career, he was involved in many precedent-setting cases. Chris helped in building the union’s capacity to invoke our powerful health and safety contract language to protect members. He became well known for his deep knowledge of the union contract, especially when it came to banquet functions and Local 6 Clubs.

"I would go to Chris for guidance on all things Banquets. I miss Chris’ humor – he had a rye and dry sort of wit. The work we did was serious and demanding, and it was important for us all to be able to laugh sometimes."

– NICK ANDREWS, Retired Business Agent

Chris helped to train many union business agents over the years. When his team came to him with questions, he would famously tell them to “Read the darn contract” - encouraging them to learn the subject matter inside and out. “Chris taught me everything about the union side of the industry. I worked with him closely for 18 years. He was instrumental,” said Bob Lyons, retired Business Agent and a life-long friend to Chris.

Chris was also an artist. He was a supporter of the Arts, especially the visual and dramatic arts. Being a member of both SAG and AFTRA unions as well as the Actors Equity Association, he enjoyed acting and all aspects of the theatre and movies. He belonged to Art Associations and loved creating and sharing his art with others. Chris was also an avid reader and enjoyed fishing and the outdoors.

Chris was blessed to have many life-long friends whom he valued greatly. Chris is missed deeply by many who loved him. Chris leaves behind his wife and three children, a grandson, sister, two brothers and many nieces and nephews.

"Chris fought many cases for me and my fellow members at the InterContinental Barclay and the Waldorf Astoria. He was very smart, and he always stood up for us. We could count on him to watch out for us. He will be missed."

– RAY GORRITZ, Banquet Server