It was with a heavy heart that I read Frank Lupo’s wonderful comments about Bob Astrowsky [Comments, Nov. 2]. Bob and I worked together in the afternoon and evening sessions at the community center at PS 191 in Manhattan. We were young and beginning our careers. Time has passed and thousands of young teachers have replaced the professionals of our generation. Bob Astrowsky was extremely helpful in making the UFT the powerful union it is today.
Louis A. DeFreitas Sr., retired

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I met Bob Astrowsky 15 years ago, as a newbie chapter leader. I’d been directed to his office at the UFT with some form to sign. I approached him tentatively, but he had this way of nodding and smiling, melting away all rank difference.

Over the years, we’ve chatted often; he was consistently pleasant, and contagiously calm. He seemed at peace with himself, with others and with life itself.

At the same time, Bob worked hard and got the job done, but in such a quiet, humble way that to know this you really had to look.

I miss Bob. He was more than a union officer. More than our UFT assistant secretary. He was an activist, an advocate and, most of all, a friend to all.
Penina Steinberg, retired