Joe's career as a union ironworker began in December of 1966 as he entered the Apprenticeship Program of Local Union #401. Passionate from the start, his reputation as an excellent craftsman and a natural born leader quickly began to precede him. After graduating at the top of his class in 1969, Joe continued to excel in all facets of the trade, no matter what the charge.

Elected to the local union Executive Board in 1978, Joe entered an arena where he could be a voice for his union brothers within the executive branch of the organization, while at the same time sharing ideas, giving opinions, and offering his insight on how to better the union he was so proud of. His experience on the Board paved the way for his election to the office of Financial Secretary-Treasurer/Business Managerin in June of 1981. During the past twenty-six years, Joe has been instrumental in expanding the union's vision and making Local 401 one of the most productive and respected trade unions in America.

He take an active role in the community by donating labor and funding for various charities and youth organizations. He remains involved with representatives on the federal, state, and local levels to procure legislation to support the growth of union labor and fights diligently for fair labor practices and working standards for all workers.

Joe's professional resume only tells us part of the kind of person he is. His strong character and high moral values are only to be surpassed by his tremendous compassion and willingness to help others. Joe sets an example for us all to remain passionate about the things that mean the most to you, to fight for what you believe in, and to work hard to achieve your goals, even if at times they seem unattainable.

Joe has been active on behalf of a number of charities and is a long time supporter of the UNICO Salute to Labor. Joe is a great labor leader and someone who "gives back" to the community. He embodies the UNICO motto "Service Above Self".

• 1975 John Anello
  Carpenters Metro DC of Phila.
• 1976 John McCullough
  Roofers Local 30 & 30B
• 1978 C. Joseph O'Donoghue
  Operating Engineers Local 542
• 1980 Albert Teti
  Textile Processors Local 10
• 1982 James A. Williams
  Glaziers Local 252
• 1984 Thomas J. Kelly
  Sheet Metal Workers Local 19
• 1985 Benjamin Irvin
  Laborers Local 57
• 1986 Dominic Martell
  Cement Masons Local 592
• 1987 Scotty Campbell
  Painters District Council 21
• 1988 Martin Maddaloni
  Steamfitters Local 420
• 1989 John Arnone
  Operating Engineers Local 542
• 1990 John Dougherty
  Cement Masons Local 592
• 1991 Michael D. DiCicci
  Boilermakers Local 13
• 1992 Edward C. Keenan
  Plumbers Local 690

• 1993 Patrick B. Gillespie
  Phila. Bldg. Trades Council
• 1994 Samuel Staten, Sr.
  Laborers Local 332
• 1995 Robert T. Heenan
  Operating Engineers Local 542
• 1997 Joseph T. Rafferty
  Steamfitters Local 420
• 1998 Richard A. McCurdy, Jr.
  Laborers Local 57
• 1999 John J. Dougherty
  I.B.E.W. Local 98
• 2000 Daniel L. Woodall, Jr.
  Laborers Local 135
• 2001 Michael Fera
  Cement Masons Local 592
• 2002 Edward Coryell
  Metropolitan Regional Council
  of Carpenters of Phila.
• 2003 Albert Frattali
  Reinforced Iron Wrkrs.
  Local 405
• 2004 Patrick Eiding
  AFL-CIO
• 2005 Anthony Di Sabato
  Cement Masons Local 592
• 2006 Wayne Miller
  Sprinkler Fitters Local 692
• 2007 Thomas P. Gallo
  Steamfitters Local Union #420
• 2008
• 2009 Joseph Dougherty
  Ironworkers Local 401