In Memoriam: Thomas Lawrence Aveni

Thomas Lawrence Aveni, who owned Paterson, New Jersey-headquartered EDI-ECI Inc. until 2014, passed away on November 16 at age 85. A native New Yorker, Aveni graduated from Fordham University’s School of Pharmacy, going on to serve in the U.S. Army and work as a pharmacist in NYC. Elevators entered the picture when he went to work for his father-in-law’s company, Elevator Doors Inc. (EDI), while still working as a pharmacist. His father-in-law, Jim, mentored and taught Aveni, who would come to lead what would become known as EDI-ECI (Elevator Cabs Inc.) upon Jim’s retirement. Aveni became president and CEO and, in 1988, bought the company. The project of which Aveni was most proud was a modernization and renovation of the elevators at the Statue of Liberty. After a successful career and offices in New Jersey, New York and Massachusetts, Aveni retired and moved to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, with his beloved wife, Dorrie. His favorite family place was their farmhouse in Towaco, New Jersey, built in 1853. It was there Aveni and his wife raised five children. Aveni’s survivors include his wife, Dorrie; children, Cynthia, Tamara, Julie, Robert and Christopher; eight grandchildren; and sister, Patricia.