Richardson, Texas—International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) announces the sudden passing of Anthony J. Montuori, 2002 international president and chairman of IAEI’s board of directors. Montuori, a Brooklyn, NY, resident, was also chief inspector of the New York Board of Fire Underwriters.

“Tony’s death is a shock to all of us at IAEI. He was a caring and concerned individual who put the needs of the association above his personal interests,” said James W. Carpenter, chief executive officer and executive director since June 2002. “His main focus was to improve electrical services and safety through his involvement with IAEI. The electrical industry has lost a champion and IAEI has lost a good friend.”

Anthony had been battling cancer since mid-July. He loved the association and deeply regretted that his treatments prevented his attending the early section meetings that began September 8, and he had hoped that he would be able to attend the later ones.

“This is difficult to accept,” responded Lanny McMahill, second vice president. “Tony appeared healthy and happy during the recruiting process for executive director/CEO not more than six months ago. Although I only knew Tony for a short while, he was always a clear-cut gentleman and a pleasure to work with. I appreciated his friendliness and his unique ability to make people feel comfortable in any situation. Tony will be deeply missed by the electrical industry and especially the IAEI. My thoughts are with his family and friends during this time of loss.”

Anthony always made those around him feel comfortable, laughing, praising efforts and achievements, and identifying with them. Despite professional pressures, he reached out to individuals and communities. He led his local Kiwanis club to contributed thousands of dollars to worthy and charitable organizations. Additionally, as president, he led Buckley Manor Association to improve their community life. In his hobbies, he also reached out to people. An avid amateur photographer, he was the one who made friends and family smile as he enthusiastically captured candid shots at special events. In his spare time, he delighted in digging in the earth, moving plants, planting new flowers and watching things grow. He and his wife Madeleine often exulted over their “green thumbs.”

Anthony was also a visionary and catalyst; he wanted good things to happen. “Working with Tony was always a delight,” commented Kathryn Ingley, director of publishing and marketing. “He was positive, upbeat, and challenging. He seemed to want us to push ahead as quickly a possible to build the association, its image, and its position in the industry.”

Not only was he dedicated to IAEI, he served in every capacity available to him to further electrical safety.He represented the New York Board of Fire Underwriters in 1991 as a principal member of NFPA 73. In 1996, he was appointed as a principal member of CMP-9, and served through three code cycles in that capacity representing IAEI.

Anthony’s personality and extensive knowledge made him in demand, both locally and nationally. In 1984, he was appointed to the Master Electricians Licensing Board and the Advisory Board, Department of Buildings, City of New York. During his eighteen years of service to the boards, he was instrumental in reviewing qualifications of prospective licensed electricians and conducting hearings predicated on charges against license holders. He reviewed and recommended to the department the issuance and approval of 1000 kVA electrical installations. The granting of special permission for the use of wiring or appliances for those cases not covered by the New York City electrical code were within his purview. In New York City, he served as a member of Electrical Code Revision, Panel #5, and the Steering Committee for Code Revision.

Anthony was always studying and moving forward. He seemed to know quite early that his career was to be in electricity. He left high school with a major in electrical theory and worked as an apprentice for two years before war interrupted his progress. After serving with distinction in the Korean War with the U. S. Army, Anthony returned to New York City where he continued his electrical career with Gal Electro Mechanical Service. During this time, he attended Pratt Institute evening school in Brooklyn, majoring in physics and electrical engineering, complementing his practical experience with advanced theory. This combination provided the foundation for his future achievements as an inspector and exceptional leader in the field of electrical safety.

Even during the brief weeks of his illness, he insisted in conducting association business and participating in conference calls. he never complained about weakness or his health; he sought only the best paths for IAEI’s progress.

Ray Weber, first vice president, who will complete Anthony’s term of office and become the 2003 international president, observed, “Tony was a worthy and admirable president of IAEI. He was diligent in his service and respected and admired by his colleagues. I personally appreciate his dedication to the association and to electrical safety. Honesty and integrity were Tony’s hallmarks. His faithfulness to the IAEI impressed all of the board members. We shall all miss Tony greatly.

Michael J. Johnston is IAEI’s director of education and an IAEI principal member on CMP-5. Johnston was formerly employed as an electrical field inspections supervisor for the city of Phoenix, Arizona. He is fully certified in many areas. He is a member of the IBEW. He achieved both journeyman E-2 and master electrician E-1 licenses in the state of Connecticut. Additionally, he holds all IAEI certifications. He also holds ICC Electrical Inspections Certification. He is a member of the UL Electrical Counci