Members in Memory

Lewis E. Ritter, III, 88, passed away on February 5, 2025. Lew was a member for over 50 years and was involved in multiple Association committees. His contributions to our field were numerous in the many people he trained and mentored as well as the facilities he designed. He taught many classes and trained many future operators and engineers. Several of Lew’s students became the future leaders in our field and the Association. Lew served our country as a Marine and spent his career as an engineer in the water environment field. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, three children, four stepchildren, seven grandchildren, and one greatgrandchild. He was predeceased by his first wife, Shirley. Lew’s service will be held on at 10:00 AM on June 17, 2025 at the Bean Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 3825 Penn Avenue, Reading PA 19608.

Carmen F. Guarino, 99, passed away on January 30, 2025. Carmen joined the Association in 1970 and was a Life Member, a 50 Year member, and Past President. He was a proud veteran, having served our country during World War II, fighting in the Battle of the Bulge, and earning many medals including the Bronze Star. Carmen attended LaSalle College, getting a degree in Biology and Chemistry. He then worked at the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) as a chemist, eventually rising through the ranks to become the Commissioner of the PWD. Carmen also started his own engineering firm, Guarino Engineers, specializing in water and wastewater treatment. He left an indelible mark on the water and wastewater industry, having mentored many of his colleagues. He authored and co-authored over 90 published studies on water and wastewater treatment; and holds a patent for water treatment that is still used throughout the world. Carmen also served on the World Health Organization, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and was past president of the Water Pollution Control Federation (now WEF) and the Water Pollution Control Association of Pennsylvania (now PWEA). He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years and is survived by his three children, seven grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

Thomas F. Broadbelt, 61, passed away on January 17, 2025.  Tom was a licensed water, wastewater, and collection system operator, joining the Association in 2006.  He had a long career in water, wastewater, and public works; having previously worked at Schwenksville Borough, the Valley Forge Sewer Authority, Miller Environmental, and East Pikeland Township.  At the time of his passing, Tom was the Public Works Director at Upper Providence Township (MontCo), a position he had held since 1999.  Tom was also a veteran, having served in the United States Navy Seabees as an equipment operator.  Tom also was a member of the fire service in Upper Providence.  His passions were spending time with his family in Ocean City, working on muscle cars, and going to car shows.  He is survived by his wife Doreen, two daughters, four grandchildren, and one sister.