Mr. DiRago, known as “Chuck” to his friends, was killed at PRPA’s Packer Avenue Marine Terminal on Friday, August 12 while participating in the unloading of a containership. Mr. DiRago, 54, was a longshoreman for over 36 years, with the last 30 years spent at the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal. Mr. Knight, who everyone knew as “Benny”, was killed at PRPA’s Tioga Marine Terminal on Saturday, August 20, also while unloading a cargo vessel. He was a longshoreman for approximately 10 years.
“The fact that we have one of the safest ports in the country, with a record that we can all be proud of, is small comfort during those times when exceptions occur,” said Mr. McDermott. “And, unfortunately, we’ve had two exceptions this month, with the deaths of these two fine members of our port family, who so many of us knew as good men and hard-working longshoremen. Everyone at PRPA, and throughout the Philadelphia maritime industry, mourns these individuals, both of whom died while performing the duties they loved.”
ILA Local 1291 President and PRPA Board Member Boise Butler, III echoed Mr. McDermott’s sentiments. “These two excellent longshoremen being cut down in their prime is just heartbreaking,” Mr. Butler said. “Chuck DiRago was a true shining star, no other way to put it. Everyone loved him. And Vernon Knight, he was a star on the rise in his own right. He was a natural leader, especially in the hold of the vessel where there’s always a lot to pay attention to. He was always an organizing force in his gang, getting the work done while watching out for his fellow workers. I can’t express how much these guys will be missed.”
