Gloria C. Tosi, president of the American Maritime Congress and fierce proponent of US-flagged shipping, dies

Gloria C. Tosi, former president of the American Maritime Congress who was a fierce proponent of U.S.-flagged shipping, died of pancreatic cancer March 5 at her Lutherville home. She was 78.

“I think anyone’s first impression of Gloria was that she was this very classy and sophisticated lady,” David Richardson, a Maryland Port commissioner and managing director for federal affairs for Southwest Airlines, wrote in an email.

“Gloria had gravitas and was very polished, and she always dressed to the nines. But, make no mistake, Gloria was very smart and knowledgeable, and could be very tough and direct, just like her mentor Helen Delich Bentley, especially when she wanted something for the benefit of her constituents and someone stood in her way,” he wrote, referring to the former member of the House of Representatives from Maryland.

Gloria Cataneo was born in Baltimore into a waterfront family. She was the daughter of Michael R. Cataneo, who had been president of Cataneo Line Service, a ship-tying business established by her Italian immigrant grandfather, Pietro Antonia Cataneo. Her mother was Anna R. Barone Cataneo.

She was raised in Lutherville, and after graduating from high school, she earned a bachelor’s degree from what is now Notre Dame of Maryland University.

Because of the nature of her family’s business, Ms. Tosi from an early age was fascinated with ships and the maritime industry.

In 1969, Ms. Tosi began her career as an aide to Mrs. Bentley, who had been appointed federal maritime commissioner by President Richard M. Nixon, and who later became a Republican congresswoman representing Maryland.

Ms. Tosi and Mrs. Bentley, who died in 2016, were Lutherville neighbors. “Gloria was Helen’s protege beyond just working in the maritime field and being a proponent of U.S.-flagged shipping,” Mr. Richardson wrote.

“Like Helen, Gloria was tough, persistent, and incredibly hardworking. However, Gloria’s style was very unlike Helen in the sense that, while Helen was blunt and occasionally profane, Gloria was much more smooth and polished.”

In 1976, she became the director of government affairs for the International Longshoremen’s Association, and five years later, joined the American Maritime Congress as its legislative and corporate affairs director.

The American Maritime Congress represents companies and unions that want a strong U.S.-flagged shipping industry and federal policies that assist in that regard, Mr. Richardson said.

Ms. Tosi was appointed executive director at AMC, and in 2000, she was named the organization’s president, a position she retained until retiring in 2006.

“Again and again, Gloria was essential to success on vital industry issues, never giving up her advocacy, no matter how hard the task ahead,” according to a biographical profile submitted by her family “She never forgot the human impact of her work, from maritime jobs to veteran’s status for World War II mariners.”

At the time of her retirement, former Senate Majority Leader Trent R. Lott paid tribute to Ms. Tosi on the floor of the Senate.

“From the Maritime Security Act of 1995, to the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 1998, to the Maritime Security Act of 2003, and including many provisions included in other laws, she helped ensure that the U.S. maritime industry’s concerns were addressed,” Mr. Lott said. “Equally important, she ensured that the industry’s concerns were understood when legislation was proposed that would have had a negative impact on the industry.”

“She was also a stalwart supporter of Cargo Preference laws and led the way in forming public-private coalitions to defend cargo preference,” according to a Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association tribute to Ms. Tosi.

“The Military Cargo Preference Act of 1904, which requires 100% of cargo bought for the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps be carried on U.S.-flagged vessels. The Cargo Preference Act of 1954, which requires 50% of Civilian Agencies’ cargo and Agriculture be carried on U.S.-flagged vessels.

“Perhaps most significantly of all, one of the hallmarks of Gloria’s career was fighting to attain veteran status for U.S. Merchant Mariners who served during World War II. She led the charge and was recognized for it on Veterans Day in 2003,” the organization wrote.

After retiring from the AMC, she remained active in the maritime industry through her consulting firm, Tosi Maritime Consultants.

She was a member of numerous professional maritime organizations and twice had served as president of the Propeller Club of Washington.

“She also took immense pride in mentoring young women in Washington, D.C.,” according to the biographical profile.

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She enjoyed cooking and entertaining at her Lutherville home and was a fastidious host.

Her dinners were accompanied by printed menus — “the same attention to detail when she hosted dinners and fundraisers for key members of Congress for more than three decades,” according to the profile.

A gardener, she enjoyed tending to her azaleas and various annuals.

In 1995, she married Byron G. Tosi Jr., a businessman, who died in 2014.

She reconnected with Karl Eckhardt Sr., a friend of 50 years, and the couple married in 2016.

Services to be held in May are private.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by a stepson, Byron G. “Jeff” Tosi III, of Finksburg; and two grandchildren. An earlier marriage to Frank C. Rudman ended in divorce.