Printer Friendly Page

HQ Rep Carl Peth Retires

February 2003

“The SIU is a wonderful organization, and I’m proud to have been a part of it,”said Carl Peth, who retired in December 2002 after 34 years in the union. Born in Chicago, Peth joined the Seafarers in 1968 in San Francisco following studies at the Andrew Furuseth Training School (the precursor to the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship) in New Orleans and San Francisco. He first sailed as a messman on board the Cornell Victory. He then upgraded his skills and sailed in various positions as a member of the engine department, eventually earning his QMED rating. Peth, who worked under three SIU presidents (Paul Hall, Frank Drozak and Michael Sacco) has seen a lot of changes in the industry since he started and has assumed a number of different roles within the Seafarers organization, including organizer, welfare representative, patrolman, safety director, port agent, manpower director and headquarters representative. In 1972, he signed off the Overseas Ulla and, the following year, came ashore as a patrolman in Piney Point. He later worked in the Great Lakes as a welfare services representative and also helped in organizing drives in the Gulf of Mexico. Peth was named patrolman in New York and New Orleans and, in 1981, became port agent in Piney Point. He remained there, later assuming the responsibilities of headquarters representative and manpower director. Many of Peth’s colleagues at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education will miss his help and support. “Carl’s been a real soldier here,” stated Don Nolan, vice president of the Paul Hall Center. “He’s been wonderful for the school. In addition to having been port agent, headquarters representative and manpower director here, he also taught union education.” The school’s registrar, Marge DiPreta, has known Peth for many years and notes that he was always very supportive of the academic department’s programs and cared a great deal about the membership. “Carl had a nice way of interacting with the members, and was always very honest with them,” she said. Janice Smolek, librarian at the school, added that she was very grateful to Peth for his donation of books from his personal collection to provide for the members. “I have been afforded some great opportunities at the SIU,” said Peth, “and have derived a lot of satisfaction in being to help others.” Peth, 61, and his wife, Gladys, are retiring to Daytona Beach, Fla.