Leo W. Gerard, who was USW’s international president for more than 18 years, has died at 78

Leo W. Gerard, who led the United Steelworkers as the union’s international president for more than 18 years, died Sunday in his hometown of Sudbury, Ontario, about four hours north of Toronto, with his family by his side.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Susan Gerard; and daughters, Kari-Ann Gerard Cusack, and Meaghan Gerard Wennekes.

Mr. Gerard, 78, the son of a nickel miner, retired in July 2019 as the longest-tenured president in USW history. He served the union in numerous leadership roles throughout a career spanning more than 50 years, which began at age 18 at a nickel smelter in his hometown.

“Leo Gerard spent his entire life fighting for workers across the world and his impact on the USW and the global labor movement has been immeasurable,” USW International President Da