BAC Ties Help Battle Against

John S. Papalia, Retired Local 3 NY member and 50-year Gold Card-holder, and daughter Amy P. Early, M.D., F.A.C.P.

Local 3 New York First Vice Chairman Daniel D. Rose and his wife found out that they had more in common with his wife’s oncologist, Amy P. Early, M.D., than their mutual battle against breast cancer. Not only is Dr. Early considered one of the top oncologists in the U.S., she is also the daughter of Gold Card member John S. Papalia of former Local 40 (now with Local 3) New York. After serving with the U.S. Army Air Corp during WWII as the radio operator on a B17 bomber, Brother Papalia completed his brick and masonry apprenticeship and enjoyed a 50-year career with BAC. He is equally proud of all his children. In addition to Amy, his oldest daughter, son John Jr. is the Chief Executive Officer of Warren General Hospital in Warren, Pennsylvania, and youngest daughter Joan Eisert has published collections of poetry.

Ever the daughter of a bricklayer, Dr. Early is quick to share her father’s love of the trade. “Dad genuinely loved what he did. He still takes me on tours of Jamestown to show me his buildings. I remember as a child going with him to look for building stones in the creeks,” says Early. “He created wonderful stories about the stones: for years I thought his stories of petrified lions and snakes to be true!”

“Through his work as a proud BAC member he produced three children, all of whom have contributed their life’s work to the betterment of society,” said Rose. “Doctors and lawyers don’t all come from doctors and lawyers. As proven here, any BAC member has the ability to reach for the stars if their heart and desire are within them.”

Since retirement, Papalia spends as much time as possible fishing with his grandchildren. As he still tells his family, “If you like your job, you never work a day in your life.”