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FREDERICK W. ANTON III 1934-2017

November 02, 2017

It is with profound sorrow that the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association must announce the death of our patriarch and longtime leader Frederick W. Anton III, Chairman of PMA’s Board of Directors.

“We are heartbroken to share the sad news that our leader, Fred Anton, has left this earthly life,” said PMA President David N. Taylor. “Thanks to his stewardship, the association is in a very strong position to continue our pro-growth mission for Pennsylvania far into the future. Exactly as he intended, we will carry on with the important work necessary for our industry to drive prosperity across the commonwealth. All of us who had the privilege of knowing him and working for him will treasure the memories of our time with him, with gratitude for having had him as our leader, patron, mentor, and friend.”

During his career at PMA starting in 1962, Mr. Anton continued the association’s long tradition of political action, which was begun by its founder, U.S. Senator Joseph Grundy. Beginning in 1981, Mr. Anton hosted a bipartisan seminar and luncheon at the Metropolitan Club in New York City on the Saturday of The Pennsylvania Society’s annual dinner. Pennsylvania governors, U.S. senators, and other leading political figures from both major parties attend the event each year, and that tradition will continue.

For many years, Mr. Anton served as Chairman of the Federal Judicial Nominating Commission of Pennsylvania, having been appointed to that post by U.S. Senators Arlen Specter and Rick Santorum.

Born in Philadelphia in 1934, Mr. Anton lived in southeastern Pennsylvania all his life. He was a graduate of Haverford High School, Villanova University, and the Villanova School of Law. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

As per Mr. Anton’s instructions, effective immediately the PMA Board of Directors designates David N. Taylor as President & CEO and PMA board member Lowman S. Henry as board Chairman.

Founded in 1909 by Bucks County industrialist Joseph Grundy, the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association is the Harrisburg-based statewide non-profit trade organization representing the interests of the manufacturing sector in Pennsylvania. To learn more about the association and its work, visit www.pamanufacturers.org