IFPTE Mourns The Loss of Joel Funfar

Brother Funfar was “a trade unionist through and through”

WASHINGTON, DC – The following officers of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) responded today to the passing of IFPTE SPEEA Area Vice President, Brother Joel Funfar:

IFPTE President, Matthew Biggs:  “On behalf of the IFPTE family across North America we send our deepest condolences to Joel’s family and to the SPEEA membership.  Brother Funfar was a trade unionist through and through and his unexpected passing will leave a huge void not only at SPEEA, but with the IFPTE federation overall.  Joel never shied away from a fight when a fellow union Sister and Brother was in need.  He often told the story of when his father told him that the first thing he needed to do after being hired at Boeing was to sign the SPEEA union card, a story he was proud of.  His contributions and advice to me personally over the two decades I have known him have been invaluable, and his service to our union is too much to measure.  Rest in Peace Brother Joel.”

IFPTE Secretary-Treasurer, Gay Henson: “When my Local voted to affiliate with IFPTE fourteen years ago Joel Funfar was one of the first to call me personally and welcome us to the IFPTE family.  He has been nothing but generous and supportive ever since, including when we successfully beat back efforts from TVA to outsource over 200 IT jobs at TVA.  Joel offered any assistance he and SPEEA could provide, something that went a long way in helping us win that fight.  Joel was a kind man, an honest man, and a man who understood firsthand the power of Solidarity.  We will miss you Brother Joel.”

Former President, Paul Shearon: “As a SPEEA member, former SPEEA staff, and former longtime Executive Officer of the IFPTE, I have had the pleasure of knowing and working in Solidarity with Joel for decades.  He rarely missed any union meeting, whether they were with SPEEA, the Washington State Labor Fed, IFPTE or any other labor related gathering.  He was proud of his union, and cherished the chance to join in a fight for justice for workers wherever it was.   Joel Funfar is one of kind person who will be truly missed.”

SPEEA, Local 2001 President/SPEEA Area Vice President, Ryan Rule: “Joel Funfar was a trailblazer here at SPEEA, participating in the historic SPEEA strike in 2000, and being in countless leadership roles in the years following, including as SPEEA president.  He emphasized the importance of SPEEA’s role in the larger IFPTE family, the larger labor movement, and represented SPEEA in that regard for years.  His contributions to our union, and our members, are immense.  SPEEA offers our condolences to his family and friends.”

SPEEA Area Vice President, Matthew Joyce: “Joel’s passing represents a tremendous loss for all here at SPEEA.  Coming out of the Midwest, I can personally attest to his support for us here in Wichita, and have taken to heart from Joel his belief that SPEEA stands stronger in Solidarity with our Sisters and Brothers from the larger IFPTE, and from the labor movement.  All of us here at SPEEA will continue to build on the legacy that he leaves with us.” 

Brother Joel Funfar has served in countless roles at SPEEA and IFPTE for well over 20 years, including as SPEEA President; SPEEA Council Chair; SPEEA Council Rep; IFPTE Vice President; SPEEA L&PA Committee Chair; SPEEA Washington State AFL-CIO Rep, and many more. 

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