The president of Civil Service Employees Association Western Region, Florence Tripi, 79, passed away on Wednesday after battling cancer.

“Flo Tripi’s passing is something that is a surprise for all of us. She has been a great staple in the community with CSEA, a great labor community that is going to miss her and her leadership,” said Rochester Mayor, Lovely Warren.

Former Brighton Town Supervisor Sandra Frankel has been reflecting on the life of her friend Flo since her visit to the hospital Monday. 

“I got to know Flo as someone who really was a role model. Someone whose values were strong and whose work ethic was incredible," said Frankel. "I admired her tremendously and was very fond of her and I will certainly miss her very much.”

Tripi had been a member of CSEA for more than 30 years, and more than 20 of those as the president for Region 6, which includes 14 counties in Western New York. 

Calling hours will be held Sunday 3 to 8 p.m. and Monday 4 to 8 p.m. at Vay-Schleich and Meeson, 1075 Long Pond Road. Funeral services will be Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Church. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Flo Tripi Memorial Scholarship Fund at any M&T Bank location.

Tripi's Work in WNY:

Western New York leaders took to Twitter with reactions of Tripi's passing: