Remembering Sonny

Querubin “Sonny” Quitlong 
August 14, 1949 – April 6, 2020 

We are sorry to announce the passing of UFCW 21 member Querubin “Sonny” Quitlong, who worked as a checker at Safeway on Rainier Avenue in Seattle and passed away recently from complications of COVID-19. Sonny had years of service at Safeway; he was hired in 1989, and was currently working at Safeway part-time while also working at the US Postal Service. He was beloved by his community—everyone knew Sonny. Customers went out of their way to get in his line, or just to come say hi if he wasn’t the one ringing them up. And customers weren’t the only people Sonny cared for. Former coworkers remember him for his generosity and friendliness. “One thing that stands out for me is if he was on break and I was in the breakroom, he’d offer me some of his lunch,” says Monica Bryant, who went on to become a union rep at UFCW 21. “He was genuine like that. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one he looked out for.” Sonny looked out for all of us, and everyone knew how much he adored his wife, Zenaida, who survives him. He served our community in many ways, and our union mourns along with his family, friends, and coworkers. 

You can find his full obituary here. 

Grocery store workers, pharmacy workers, health care workers, and many others are on the front line in this crisis. We are part of the food chain, central to everyone’s safety and health, and dedicated to our community’s well-being. But we need to be safe at work, and we will continue to push for the safety of our customers, patients, and coworkers. We do not want to lose anyone else. 

Querubin “Sonny” Quitlong
August 14, 1949 – April 6, 2020