John Marcatante Sr., President of the Teamsters Local 700 Retirees Club, announced he was stepping down from the role during the July 20 meeting of the club. Marcatante led the club for more than a decade, helping to bring retired Local 700 members together and keeping them engaged with the local.

After nearly 40 years of service with several Chicagoland Teamsters locals including Local 700, Marcatante retired from his position as a road supervisor at O’Hare International Airport. During his career, Marcatante was responsible for leading Teamsters members in maintaining roadways in and around the airport. 

After he retired, Marcatante missed the camaraderie of his local.

“Just to get the guys together was a big thing for me. After I retired, I really didn’t miss the job, I missed the people,” said Marcatante, who originally joined the Teamsters Local 726 Retirees Club, then became its president in 2008. He continued as president when Local 726 was dissolved and Teamsters Local 700 was formed in 2010. “We had a lot of fun talking to each other and reminiscing about old times. For me, it was fun…I really enjoyed the people.”

Local 700 President Ramon Williams with Local 700 Retiree's Club President John Marcatante, Sr.

Marcatante’s run as President of the Retirees Club was lauded by Local 700 President Ramon Williams.

“John Marcatante is a tremendous Teamster, from his career at O’Hare to his successful term as Retirees Club president,” said Williams. “He always brought people together in a positive way, and he did an amazing job supporting our wonderful retirees. I wish him the absolute best.”

In addition to monthly meetings, Marcatante would hold special events to bring retired members together. “I would throw two, three pizza parties a year. I would buy gift certificates for Christmas time,” said Marcatante. “It was just getting together and having fun. We were getting a lot of people involved, and I was happy about that.”

Marcatante thanked President Williams for his support as well, saying, ”Ramon has been fantastic with the retirees club. This guy just doesn't stop. I can't tell you how much I appreciate what he’s been doing.”

When asked what he would tell prospective members of the retirees club, Marcatante said, “I think they would really enjoy getting together like they did at work. Being together once a month, they would have a lot to talk about old times and just have a lot of fun.”

In reflecting on his time as president, Marcatante had nothing but positive memories.

“It was a good run, and I really enjoyed being with the people.”