Staff at the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) were sad to learn of the death of Bill Anton, former Executive Director of the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), which unified with the Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance (IGMA) to became FGIA in 2020. Anton died January 21 at the age of 95 , according to his wife, MaryLou. Anton served as the leader of the Association for 12 years before retiring in 1995.
Bill and MaryLou were married for nearly 38 years, and she described meeting her husband as “divine providence.” “We met in November 1986, as what I refer to as my 50th birthday present,” said MaryLou. “He would have been 96 years old on Valentine’s Day, and if ever there was a sweetheart, it was him. On March 19, we would have been married 38 years—the very best years of my life.”
She described her husband as “the best man I ever met, a husband who could set the standards for what a husband, father and friend should be.” She shared that they met through a personal ad in the Chicago Tribune. “He came into my life and made it heaven on earth,” she said.
FGIA staff remember him as a strong leader and kind person.
“While Bill’s tenure pre-dates my time with the Association, I did meet him several times, and I was impressed with his leadership abilities and industry knowledge,” said Janice Yglesias, FGIA Executive Director. “Members and staff often spoke highly of him. His contributions to our organization and the industry will be long remembered. Our thoughts are with his family during this time of loss.”
“He was a wonderful man and great leader,” said Florence Nicolici, former FGIA Meetings Manager. “May he rest in peace.”
For more information about FGIA and its activities, visit FGIAonline.org.
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