Anthony J. Obadal passed away on Feb. 13, 2010, at the age of 77. He served as AED Washington Counsel for more than three decades and played a central role in the establishment of AED’s Government Affairs Program.

In the early 1970’s, Obadal set up the AED Washington Office both to represent the interests of equipment distributors in the nation’s capital and to help AED members get more involved in the policy process at the grassroots level. Shortly after his retirement in 2002, Obadal received the AED Democracy Award for his lifetime of service to the association.

“Tony was a great advocate for the equipment industry, a larger-than-life personality, and a good friend,” AED President and CEO Toby Mack said. “He deserves much of the credit for our association’s elevated political visibility in Washington, D.C., and the increased political activism of our members around the country.”

In addition to his work for AED, Obadal served a number of other association clients through his law firm, including the Aeronautical Repair Station Association, the American Concrete Pipe Association, the American Concrete Pressure Pipe Association, the National Contractors Association, and the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association. Before entering private practice, Obadal served as Court of Appeals attorney for the National Labor Relations Board and as labor counsel for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Obadal also was involved in a number of community and professional organizations over the years. He was a past chairman of the board of the Westminster School in Annandale, Va., served on the legal advisory board of the National Legal Center for the Public Interest, the board of The Road Information Program, and as a board member and president of the Thomas More Society of America.

Since retiring from the law firm of Obadal, Filler, MacLeod & Klein PLC, Obadal and his wife Nancy lived in Williamsburg, Va., where he served on the James City County Planning Commission.

Despite all his professional accomplishments, his greatest satisfaction and pride was in his family. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Nancy, four children: Nancy Bryant of Atlanta, Kirsten Obadal of Alexandria, Katie Lyons of Herndon, Michael Obadal of Newport News, and nine grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Bede’s Catholic Church, Williamsburg, Va., on Feb. 16. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Lionheart School, 180 Academy Street, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009 (http://www.thelionheartschool.com/).

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