Joseph Z. Gremelsbacker: 1953-2022

Joseph Zigmund Gremelsbacker, a beloved longtime advocate for American Maritime Officers members, died on October 3, 2022 in Hollywood, Florida after a long and valiant battle with cancer. He was 68.

The former AMO National Vice President, Deep Sea, had recently stepped back from his post with the union to focus on his health, but remained a contributing member of the executive board during his physical absence. In total, Gremelsbacker had nearly 40 years of service with AMO.

"We at AMO headquarters are hurting badly over the loss of our great friend Joe Gremelsbacker, but we are relieved to know that Joe has found peace at long last, having endured eight years of cancer, chemotherapy and radiation," the AMO National President said. "We find comfort as well in knowing that Joe's painful struggle did not diminish his career-long commitment to protecting and promoting the professional and personal interests of the AMO membership, many of whom will forever remember Joe as a good-natured friend who offered honest, effective representation. His achievements for the AMO membership are a lasting collective testament to Joe's moral values and his strength of character.

"We hold warm thoughts as well for Joe's daughter, Morgan, and for Joe's nephew, AMO member John Zabielski - known to everyone as 'Johnny Z.' We offer our deepest condolences and our assurance that Joe will not be forgotten in our union or in our industry," he said.

A native of New York, Gremelsbacker joined AMO in 1984 as a third mate on the Sealift bulker Bravado after having sailed as an unlicensed seaman.

Over his sailing career with AMO, Gremelsbacker worked aboard several vessels - including the USNS Williams, S/S Wright, USNS Bobo, and USNS Lopez - in varying capacities, culminating in Master, before coming ashore in October 1992 to work for the union.

As a representative, Gremelsbacker was tasked with fighting for the rights of AMO members who had disputes with contracted companies and other shipboard issues. Through his dedicated handling of grievances, Joe garnered the reputation as a passionate advocate for the membership.

"I am very sorry to hear about Joe. I know how much you respected and loved him, and you are not alone. He earned and held the respect of both the sailing membership and the employers," said Ed Hanley, Vice President of Labor Relations for Maersk Line, Limited. "This is no easy task, especially when you are the 'beef' guy - but he made it seem so because he truly believed in the causes of both. Joe's combination of professional competencies, intuitive mediating skills and rib-hurting sea stories will be greatly missed."

In 1995, Gremelsbacker was elected to the AMO Executive Board. In 2001, he was elected AMO National Vice President, Deep Sea - a post to which he was consistently re-elected until stepping down in 2021.

He is survived by his daughter, Morgan; sister, Marie Zabielski; and nephew, John Zabielski. Information on memorial services will be provided at a later date.