Anthony LaConti

Anthony B . LaConti , Ph.D., first generation Italian American, inventor, scientist, and family leader

Tony LaConti was a proud and humble embodiment of the American Dream. Born in the Boston Salvation Army Hospital on April 4, 1936 as the only child of Italian immigrants, he entered first grade having never spoken English. Blessed with a keen intellect, quiet resolve, and a passion for knowledge, he soon mastered the language. And, then, proceeded to master basketball, baseball, chemistry, and the field of fuel cell technology. Within his industry and beyond, Dr. LaConti was known as a groundbreaker, innovator, and always, a leader of untold integrity, vision, and humanity.

Dr. LaConti was Chief Executive Officer of Giner, Inc., a leading research organization in electrochemical technologies. He was an inventor, who held 57 U.S. patents that covered multiple aspects of electrochemistry.

He grew up on Mountain Avenue in Revere with his beloved parents Samuel and Maria LaConti , immigrants from the Campagnia Region of Italy. His parents worked at the local greenhouse, while Tony attended the Revere Public Schools and played sports with the boys from the neighborhood. The friendship forged on the blacktop and playing fields would last a lifetime.

Tony entered the workforce as a teenager when his father suffered a serious stroke. As primary breadwinner and caretaker, Tony assumed all responsibility for his own education. His jobs reflected the era's daily rhythms -- stacking fruit at Stop & Shop, shoveling "silver gold" at Suffolk Downs, and taking orders from customers at the Scully Square liquor store.

Blessed with natural ability and a tremendous work ethic, Tony's skill in basketball and baseball helped further his education. In 1954, Tony received a four-year athletic scholarship from Suffolk University, where he received his bachelor of arts degree in Chemistry and Mathematics in 1958. He went on to achieve his masters and doctoral degrees in Chemistry from Boston College in 1960 and 1965.

Sports and school became secondary one evening at The Boathouse in Wakefield in 1956. There, the shy young man from Revere asked a beautiful Brenda Prive to dance. A whirlwind romance led to 52 years of a happy marriage and enduring friendship. Together, they raised their children Cara, Jennifer, and Christopher with unconditional love and a shared passion for sports, the ocean, and the lost art of a shared family meal.

With the love of a strong family, Tony charted a career of achievement and industry leadership. During his early years at General Electric, he was instrumental in the development of fuel cells for the Apollo and Gemini programs, the oxygen generating systems for the Navy's submarines, and twice received the Aerospace Instrument Department's "Engineer of the Year" award.

In 1986, Dr. LaConti joined Giner, Inc. where he applied his expertise to sensors, capacitors, and direct methanol fuel cells while continuing his contributions to hydrogen fuel cells and water electrolyzers. A noted published researcher, Tony led Giner, Inc's growth as a leading research organization in electrochemical technologies.

LaConti was one of the founders of Giner Electrochemical Systems, LLC, a partnership with General Motors that accelerated the development of automotive fuel cells to reduce emissions. Tony had tremendous respect for his colleagues and loved working with them to make the world a better place.

Dr. LaConti was a long-time resident of Lynnfield, MA, where he coached his children's sports teams and was active in Couples Club. His fondest memories were those spent with the family he adored. Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester, a game of bocce, a long walk, or a Red Sox game were his heart's delight as long as he was with his wife, children, grandchildren, and friends.

He is survived by his wife Brenda, his children and their spouses; Cara Paicos and Peter, Jennifer White and Bill, Christopher LaConti and Regina, and his grandchildren, Cassandra, Anthony and Dominic DeSimone, Fay and Eve Paicos, and Brendan and Madeleine White.

A gentleman of honor and integrity, Anthony will be greatly missed by all those who had the honor to know him. He will be fondly remembered for his kindness, intelligence, patience, and wit.

His funeral will be held from the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield, Friday at 9am followed by a funeral mass in St. Maria Goretti Church, 112 Chestnut St., Lynnfield at 10am. Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the Funeral Home on Thursday 4 to 8pm. Interment will be a Forest Hill Cemetery in Lynnfield.

Contributions in honor of Anthony may be made to the Anthony B . LaConti Science Scholarship Fund Attn: Jane DiGani, Office of Advancement, Suffolk University, 8 Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108.




Read Anthony LaConti's Obituary and Guestbook on www.mcdonaldfs.com.

Visitation

McDonald Funeral Home
19 Yale Ave.
Wakefield , MA US 01880
Thursday, September 8, 2011, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Service

St. Maria Goretti
112 Chestnut Street
Lynnfield , MA US 01940
Friday, September 9, 2011, 10:00 AM

Cemetery

Forest Hill Cemetery
Forest Hill Ave.
Lynnfield , MA US 01940
Friday, September 9, 2011, 11:30 AM