In Memoriam
In Memoriam: Stephen Fall
Stephen Fall, managing director, International, of Lerch Bates (LB) with offices in Europe, the U.K., India and Dubai, passed away suddenly on December 23, 2024, of natural causes. Based in...
In Memoriam: Oliver Henry Snyder IV
Oliver Henry Snyder IV, who cherished his elevator career and retired gracefully from the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) Local #10 in Lanham, Maryland, after 34 years, passed away...
In Memoriam: William “Bill” O’Connor
William "Bill" O'Connor, founder of New Smyrna Beach, Florida-headquartered Daytona Elevator, passed away on December 9, just weeks shy of his 86th birthday after battling dementia. Also known as "Elevator...
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...
A Life of Determination: Ali Aktaş
A visionary with Balkan roots, Ali Aktaş aimed to establish a lift and escalator factory in Türkiye with ambitions reaching back to the Balkans. Recognized as a pioneer in the...
In Memoriam: Thomas Stack
Vertical-transportation consultancy VDA, Inc., announced the passing of industry pioneer Thomas Stack in November 2024. Stack was one of VDA's original four owners following the purchase from John Van Deusen...
In Memoriam: Gelestino’s Namesake Father
Donald Gelestino, father of Champion Elevator Corp. President Donald Gelestino, passed away on November 1 at home surrounding by loved ones after a period of declining health. A native of...
In Memoriam: Francis “Frank” Ferrara
Francis "Frank" Ferrara, a retired state of Massachusetts elevator inspector, passed away on September 29, 2024, at the age of 70. Ferrara, of Burlington, Massachusetts, became a licensed elevator technician...
In Memoriam: Paul T. Beisser
Paul T. Beisser, who began his distinguished career in the elevator industry as an International Union of Elevator Constructors helper in 1962, passed away on August 20 at age 84....
In Memoriam: Peter Lycett
Peter Lycett, former managing director at London's International Lift Equipment Ltd. (ILE), passed away in November 2023 at age 55. Lycett was in the industry for 37 years (1985-2022), and...
