Commemorating a Pioneering Chronicler of 1199 Member Activism.

Dan North worked for 1199’s local and national publications for more than thirty years—from 1968 until his 1999 retirement.

During his long tenure, he established standards that stood as the gold standard for exacting and inspirational journalism that focused on workers whether in the workplace, the union hall or the community.

As this edition was going to press, relatives, friends and coworkers of the renowned Union chronicler were scheduled to gather at the 1199 headquarters in Manhattan on February 7 to celebrate North’s life and contributions to the movement.

The esteemed labor journalist died at age 89 on July 11, 2024, in Jersey City, NJ, after a long struggle with lymphoma and Parkinson’s disease.

One of the main reasons he began work at 1199 in the 1960s was because the leadership was committed to ensuring that 1199 News highlighted the members achievements in winning strong contracts and holding elected representatives at local, state and national levels to account.

The effectiveness of North’s work was reflected in the countless awards 1199 News garnered from the International Labor Communications Association— representing labor publications and media production departments across the nation—and the Metro New York Labor Communications Council.

During North’s last year as editor of 1199 News, Metro contest judges said of the publication, “Each issue is a feast for the eyes... A special ingredient is the voice of the members, whether in letters to the editor, original poetry or essays. And 1199 News reminds us that the concerns of the labor movement encompass justice and struggle for all the world’s workers.”

Born in 1935 in the midst of the Great Depression, North was raised among communists and socialists in Croton, NY. He earned degrees in anthropology at New York City’s Columbia University where he worked on the student newspaper and San Francisco State University. Following his graduation, North worked as a reporter for the San Francisco Examiner.

Later, North married Margaret Stoughton and returned to Croton with their two sons, Dave and Sam. In 1992, he married Tara Levy, a labor lawyer, and the couple settled in Jersey City.

In retirement, North continued to edit the 1199 magazine. He also completed “Not for Bread Alone,” the memoir of Moe Foner, widely considered the dean of public relations within the labor movement. It was Foner who hired North in 1968.

In retirement, North was able to pursue his love of the outdoors. Two of his books, “The Slow Walker” and “November Sun” both published by Black Trumpet Press, chronicle his walks.

He also volunteered for many years at Hudson Cradle, a facility for border babies in Jersey City where North held homeless infants.

North is survived by his wife, Tara Levy, and two sons, David and Samuel and four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.