By SHERI GASSAWAY
Missouri Correspondent
A celebration of the life of former IBEW Local 1455 Business Manager Mike Datillo is scheduled for July 22.
Brother Datillo, of The Villages, Fla., passed away at his home on June 21, 2023, at the age of 75 after a long battle with cancer. The celebration of life will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. at the IBEW Local 1 Union Hall at 5850 Elizabeth Ave. in St. Louis.
‘LUCKY TO HAVE HIM’
“Personally, Mike was a guy I could call while being a business agent for a different utility company to get pointers on anything from politics to contract negotiations,” said St. Louis Labor Council President Pat White. “He never missed a fundraiser or rally when called upon. His local was lucky to have him.”
Mike’s career was primarily focused on supporting the utility industry. He started working for Union Electric Company/Ameren as a surveyor and later transferred to the Transmission & Distribution Drafting Group. Along the way, Mike became interested in the operations of the union (Local 1455) and held various positions (steward, chief steward, treasurer and president) over his 12 years of service.
In 1983, he was elected to the position of business manager/financial secretary for Local 1455, which operates in Missouri, Illinois and Iowa. He held various leadership roles and co-chaired with other business agents to support negotiating committees. Mike was a critical member of the 11th District and was appointed as a delegate to represent Local 1455 at many utility conferences.
“He was my best friend for 50 years,” said former Local 1455 Business Manager Ron Kohring, who succeeded Datillo. “He served as business manager for 33 years and was the most dedicated man to the IBEW and his members that I’ve ever known. He dedicated his life to working class members.”
‘STOOD UP FOR ALL OF US’
Condolences for Brother Datillo poured in on Local 1455’s Facebook page when the union announced his passing.
“He was truly a great business manager, and he stood up for all of us,” wrote Jeanne Johnson. “I was there to watch a few heated battles to stand up for members. He was a friend, a negotiator and someone that will be missed.”
“He was truly a great leader and friend. He negotiated in good faith through the contract renewals, including putting together a tough plan for the merger of Union Electric 1455 and MPL clerical workers,” wrote Cecil Payne.
EARLY LIFE
Mike attended Holy Name Elementary School, De Andreas High School and upon returning from military service he attended Washington University. Mike made long-lasting friendships during his academic years. He enjoyed sharing activities with family and friends like golf, softball, fishing and hunting. He has enjoyed supporting the St. Louis Cardinals since childhood.
In January, 1967, Mike was drafted by the U.S. Army and served until August 1968. He was in the 1st Squadron, 9th Calvary, 1st of the 1st Air Calvary Division and deployed to Vietnam and served as a helicopter gunner during key military operations including the TET offensive. For his service he received numerous metals (including the Vietnam Bronze Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross), awards and recognition for his bravery in combat. He was a member of the American Legion for Vietnam Veterans for over 45 years.
FAMILY MAN
Mike’s greatest pride and joy was the relationship he had with his sons and new grandson Charlie. He cherished the times he shared with the boys growing up and through their adulthood. Whether it was on the golf course or across the dinner table, the biggest smiles and laughs were shared with his boys. He felt such joy at being able to spend time with Charlie through FaceTime and on special family visits.
Brother Datillo was born in St. Louis to the late Andrew and Zoe Datillo (Frazier) in April, 1948. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 30 years, Nancy (Fink), sons Andrew (Kelly Bannister) and Nicholas (Chloe Marth), along with beloved grandson Charles “Charlie” Datillo. He was a loving brother to Janice, Mark, Marilyn Jo and Kevin (Teri Nolan).
Mike was also loved by his-mother in-law Joan Fink, sister-in-law Diann Eilering and brother-in-law John Fink (Michele Woodside). Mike’s many nieces and nephews thought the world of him. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Charles, nephew Matthew, sister-in-law Peggie (Mullenschlader), father-in-law Calvin Fink and sister-in-law Donna Fink.
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