Honoring and celebrating the Career of Joseph T. Ashdale.

WHEREAS, Joseph T. Ashdale, son of Joseph I and Helena, was born and raised with his five siblings in the Mayfair neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ashdale’s education saw him attend St. Matthew's School, Father Judge High School, Temple University, St. Joseph’s University and Rutgers University; and

WHEREAS, In 1979, following in his father's footsteps, Mr. Ashdale began his apprenticeship in Glaziers Local 252; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ashdale completed his apprenticeships going on to become a Journeyman, Foreman, and Shop Steward; and

WHEREAS, In 1985, Mr. Ashdale was appointed Local 252’s first Organizer; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ashdale held the position of Organizer until 1994 when he was elected President and Business Manager; and

WHEREAS, While serving as President and Business Manager Mr. Ashdale gained the reputation of an unyielding advocate on behalf of his members and their families; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ashdale helped facilitate the merger of 15 local unions into one District Council; and

WHEREAS, Other roles Mr. Ashdale has served in include Vice President of the Philadelphia Building Trades, Vice President of the Philadelphia AFL-CIO, a member of the Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board, and Trustee on many Benefit and Apprenticeship Funds; and

WHEREAS, He represented 6,000 Painters, Glaziers, Drywall Finishers, and Wall Coverers throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ashdale was married to his wife Arlene for 36 years until her passing in June of 2021; and

WHEREAS, Joe Ashdale is the proud father of Danielle, Joseph, Patricia, and the late Patrick; and

WHEREAS, As a man of faith, Mr. Ashdale is a strong supporter of the Catholic Church, his alma maters of St. Matthew’s Parish, Father Judge High School, and Arlene and his daughter’s alma mater St. Hubert’s High School for Girls; and

WHEREAS, His faith compelled him to other areas of service including work with the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Deborah Hospital, Dollars Against Diabetes, St. Francis Inn, Core, Rock Ministries, the Optimist Club of Philadelphia, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and the Holy Terrors Youth Organization; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ashdale currently serves on the board of Father Judge High School, in which he was inducted into the hall of fame in 2007; and

WHEREAS, He previously has served on the board of St. Hubert’s High School, the Philadelphia Independence Visitor Center Corporation, and for 20 years as the Chairman of the Philadelphia Parking Authority; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ashdale has been and continues to be dedicated to his community, education, and the well-being of our city and those who work in it; and

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors and celebrates Mr. Joseph T. Ashdale on the occasion of his retirement as Business Manager of District Council 21; now, therefore, be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Joseph T. Ashdale as evidence of the admiration and respect of this body.

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