In Memoriam — Nicholas J. Bartilucci, NYWEA Treasurer and Water Leader

June 27, 2017

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Nick Bartilucci and his wife Joan take a picture together during a cruise in 2005. Photo courtesy of Ken Skibinski, New York Water Environment Association (NYWEA) past president.

Nick Bartilucci and his wife Joan take a picture together during a cruise in 2005. Photo courtesy of Ken Skibinski, New York Water Environment Association (NYWEA) past president.

Nicholas J. Bartilucci, a distinguished water sector engineer and member of the Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Va.) since 1957, died July 17, 2016, at the age of 85.

Bartilucci, a life member of both WEF and the New York Water Environment Association (NYWEA), was the former president and chairman of the board of Dvirka and Bartilucci Consulting Engineers, now known as D&B Engineers and Architects (Woodbury, N.Y.). He became involved in NYWEA as a student at Manhattan College (Riverdale, N.Y.) and continued on to become an influential leader for the WEF Member Association.

Bartilucci served as NYWEA president in 1977 and volunteered for more than 30 years as NYWEA treasurer. In recognition of his service to the association, he received the Bedell Award from NYWEA in 1978. In 2014, NYWEA further recognized Bartilucci’s commitment by creating the Nicholas J. Bartilucci Environmental Scholarship, which grants $5000 to a New York student dedicated to public service who is pursuing a degree in environmental issues. WEF also recognized Bartilucci’s water sector achievements by awarding him an honorary membership in 1999.

“Nick served the water and wastewater industry through his dedication to his profession as well through his decades of service to NYWEA,” said Ken Skibinski, member of WEF and NYWEA since 1986 and NYWEA past president. When Skibinski was elected as the central chapter representative to the NYWEA board of directors, he recalls that Bartilucci was treasurer and a “friendly and the quintessential professional” who “guided many an officer through the rigors of fiscal decisions and was a great friend to us all,” he said. “He is missed, and we have all been enriched through his friendship and leadership.”

Bartilucci (left) delivers a budget report at a NYWEA board meeting while sitting next to Koester. Photo courtesy of Skibinski.

Bartilucci (left) delivers a budget report at a NYWEA board meeting while sitting next to Koester. Photo courtesy of Skibinski.

Bartilucci’s experience in civil and environmental engineering spanned 50 years. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Manhattan College and a master’s degree from New York University, both in civil engineering. He also served in the U.S. Army. While with D&B Engineers and Architects, he helped the firm expand from the planning, design, and construction of wastewater projects to offering various engineering and environmental services.

Bartilucci also was a leader in many professional and community organizations. In addition to WEF and NYWEA, he belonged to the New York Section of the American Water Works Association (Denver), the Order of the Sons of Italy in America (Washington, D.C.), The American Legion (Indianapolis), and the Korean War Veterans Association (Charleston, Ill.). He was a consultant to the Environmental Engineering Department at Manhattan College, chairman of the board for the Jericho Water District (Syosset, N.Y.), member of the board for the Cold Spring Harbor (N.Y.) Laboratory, and non-government representative to the United Nations on behalf of WEF.

“Nick Bartilucci was a leader in NYWEA and served various roles for WEF,” said Eileen O’Neill, executive director of WEF. “[He was] one of the most classy people I have met through WEF.”

Koester (right) shows a headshot of Bartilucci (left) to those gathered to honor Bartilucci during the meeting. Photo courtesy of Skibinski. Koester presents Bartilucci with a book filled with photos and text that recognize Bartilucci’s work for and commitment to NYWEA. Photo courtesy of Skibinski.
From left, Bartilucci stands with Mark Koester, NYWEA president in 2012 and Patricia Cerro-Reehil, NYWEA executive director during a ceremony to honor his retirement during a NYWEA board meeting. Photo courtesy of Skibinski. During a NYWEA board meeting, Bartilucci (left) was honored for his commitment to the water sector and NYWEA before retirement. Photos courtesy of Skibinski.

Bartilucci received numerous other awards and recognitions for his engineering work and commitment to the water sector. Manhattan College named its engineering conference room in his honor. He was named Engineer of the Year in 1986 by the Nassau County chapter of the New York State Society of Professional Engineers (Albany); he received the 2001 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Long Island chapter of NYWEA and the 2003 Outstanding Professional Engineer in Management Award from the New York State Society of Professional Engineers.

“For those fortunate enough to have worked with him, we feel honored to have had the experience,” said Patricia Cerro-Reehil, NYWEA executive director. “We will miss him greatly.”

 — Jennifer Fulcher, WEF Highlights

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