#212
September 11th is an eventful day in history. It’s a day that holds significance for many, but for me, it resonates on a deeply personal level. Of course, there’s the tragic memory of the 9/11 attacks on the United States—I was in Lahore, Pakistan when the world changed that day. But September 11th also marks an important milestone in my life for another reason. On this day in 2011, I had the privilege of meeting my dear friend and colleague Tony Bucci for the last time.
Tony wasn’t just a friend. He was a great EHS professional who left an indelible mark on my career. We met at the Arizona Grand Hotel, PHX, on the afternoon of September 11th, 2011, the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. He had been recovering from a major illness, but he still made the effort to meet me after attending the morning memorial (9/11) services. It was a Sunday afternoon, and as we wrapped up our conversation around 3 PM, I asked Tony to take a picture with me. He was walking towards his car, about 20 feet away, but agreed and came back for a quick photo with me. It was our last meeting. Just two weeks later, Tony passed away at the young age of 39.
I still don’t know why I felt the need to capture that moment. We had met countless times before, and I expected we would meet many more times in the future. But something told me that this moment needed to be remembered—and I’m glad it was.
A Mentor and Role Model in EHS
Tony was everything a true EHS professional should be—technically sound, highly knowledgeable, and always willing to help. When I joined Honeywell as Global HSE Manager, in 2006, Tony had already been there in Aerospace business, for a few years and was a step ahead in implementing cutting-edge EHS practices. Yet, despite his experience and expertise, he never hesitated to share his knowledge and resources with me. He saw collaboration as the key to success, not competition.
One thing I admired most about Tony was his relentless energy. He could run an 8-hour training session, engaging with participants, taking on every question and comment with the same enthusiasm from start to finish. I still carry that inspiration with me today, and it’s one of the reasons I strive to deliver long, interactive sessions without losing energy. Tony taught me that when you’re passionate about something, it shows in how you work.
His willingness to share didn’t stop at training. Whenever I needed guidance on implementing a project or initiative in one of our global locations, as a peer across Business, Tony was the first person I’d turn to. Time zones didn’t matter—despite the 11-hour (Tony was based out of Arizona) difference, he was always available for a discussion. And when he didn’t have the answers himself, Tony would point me to the right person in his vast network beyond Aerospace. His ability to connect people to the right resources was one of his greatest strengths.
Tony’s Unique Touch
It wasn’t all serious work with Tony, though. True to an Italian, He was known for his legendary pranks, especially on those who tried to mess with him. His lighthearted side was as memorable as his technical expertise. I think it’s what made him so well-liked by everyone who worked with him. He had that rare combination of professionalism and a sense of fun that made the tough work easier.
A Lasting Impact
From 2006 to 2011, Tony played a pivotal role in my professional growth. His guidance helped me implement global safety standards, and his mentorship influenced how I approach EHS challenges to this day as well as tricks of the trade on both technical and personal side. But beyond the professional, he was a true friend. Tony embodied what it meant to be a collaborative, generous professional, and I try to carry that spirit forward in my work as well as in personal life. Tony’s legacy lives on, not just in the lessons he taught me, but in the way he approached life. He made me a better EHS professional, but more importantly, he showed me how to be a good friend and colleague.
On this September 11th, as I reflect on the significant events of that day in 2011, I remember Tony and the impact he had on my life. The world may have lost a great EHS professional, but for those of us who knew him, we lost an even greater friend.
Stay in heaven, my friend, until we meet again.
Karthik
September 11, 2024 1500 Hrs.
Health, Environment, Safety, Sustainability (HESS) 