Former head of powerful New York union dead at 72

NBC New York reports the death of George Gresham, 72, former president of 1199SEIU, one of the nation's largest healthcare unions with over 450,000 members across eastern states and Washington, DC. Gresham died after a long illness following a 50-year career in labor organizing, beginning as a rank-and-file member at Presbyterian Hospital. The article includes substantive tributes from New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, with specific context about the union's size and scope, demonstrating solid local reporting standards. The independent news search results do not contain relevant corroboration about Gresham's death—the results instead focus on other 2026 deaths (Ted Turner, celebrities)—so no cross-verification of facts is possible from the provided search data. Readers should monitor for more detailed obituary coverage or statements from 1199SEIU regarding leadership succession and Gresham's specific accomplishments during his tenure.