December 3, 2012
Los Angeles – Directors Guild of America National Executive Director Jay D. Roth made the following statement upon learning of the passing of Thomas R. O’Donnell:
“With sadness and tremendous respect in our hearts, we fondly remember Thomas R. O’Donnell, who held the position of President of the Theatrical Teamsters, Local 817, International Brotherhood of Teamsters for 50 years before retiring earlier this year.
“Tom was a pillar of the entertainment labor community and a fixture in helping to strengthen film and television production in New York. In recognition of Tom’s critical role in upholding the rights of working men and women while encouraging production in New York, the Directors Guild of America presented Tom with the DGA Honor in 1999. After receiving the Honor from presenter Robert De Niro, Tom said with his typical humor, ‘There are many others more deserving. However, I do not find fault with their final choice.’
“Our thoughts are with Tom’s family, friends, colleagues and the thousands of working men and women whose lives he touched. We will miss him.”