RICHARD "DICK" ANTER II

Richard G. Anter II

January 11, 1952 — June 20, 2019

Richard George Anter II, passed suddenly on June 20, 2019 at age 67. Beloved husband of 38 years to Camille (nee Arrieh). Loving father of Richard III (Elma), Mary Bocchicchio (Rocco) and Lauren. Dearest brother of Joe Anter (Pam), JoAnne Ata (late George), Terrie Garr (Chris) and Mary Sue Tanis (John). Cherished brother-in-law to Michele (Nick) Nassif, Danielle (Dan) Flaherty, Marielle (Albert) Johary, and Gabrielle (Paul) Comeaux. Treasured uncle, cousin, coach and friend of many.

He was born on January 11, 1952 in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of Richard G. and Bernice (Kalill) Anter (both deceased). He was a 1970 graduate of St. Ignatius High School where he played football and basketball, and was co-captain of the City Championship basketball team his senior year when the Wildcats had an unforgettable come-from-behind victory. He went on to play basketball for Coach Al McGuire at Marquette University, then John Carroll University, graduating in 1974.

An active member of the Midwest Federation of American Syrian Lebanese Clubs, Inc., he was involved with planning a number of conventions held in Cleveland from 1972-1979. After meeting his best friend and the love of his life, Camille, at one such convention, they married in the fall of 1980 and had three children, Richard III, Mary, and Lauren.

Dick always had a passion for civil service and supporting his beloved Cleveland community. He became involved with the Greater Cleveland Growth Association and helped bring Parties in the Park, Up Downtown, Square to Square, and the Cleveland Rib Burn Off to downtown Cleveland in the 1970s. In 1980, following a successful grassroots campaign, he was elected the youngest Mayor of Fairview Park, Ohio at just 28 years old. His desire to affect change on a national level lead him to mount a hard-fought campaign for U.S. Congress in 1982. Although he did not make it to Capitol Hill, he was called back to the city of Cleveland as Director of Downtown Development for the Greater Cleveland Growth Association. Dick was instrumental in increasing exposure for Cleveland locally, nationally and globally. He recruited retailers and restaurants for the Nautica Development, the Galleria and Tower City, and was successful in bringing the Ritz Carlton and Marriott hotels to the city as well.

From business start-up and creation, to real estate, to management and operations, Dick continued in the business world as a consultant for over 25 years. He preferred to think of it as working alongside new clients, giving guidance and mentoring support to find a way forward together. He was involved in projects for a number of entrepreneurs, businesses and organizations, some of which included the CLE Convention Center, the IX Center, and D.A. Surgical.

Dick was a devout member of the Catholic community, from an altar server at an early age to recently serving as President of the Parish Council at St. Elias Melkite Greek Catholic Church in Brooklyn, Ohio. He also served as a Eucharistic minister at St. Angela Merici Church in Fairview Park, Ohio. His unwavering faith was constant throughout his life, and he exemplified the Jesuit teachings as a Man for Others in everything he did.

He carried those values into his life-long dedication to coaching. For over 48 years, Dick coached his own children and hundreds of others of all ages — from softball to volleyball to most especially basketball — acting as a mentor, friend, and confidant, on and off the court. He always emphasized a positive attitude and a cooperative spirit, and would close each and every practice and game with a group huddle and a prayer to the saints. Over the years the teams enjoyed many successes, culminating in the Ohio High School Boys' CYO State Basketball Championship in 2013.

The consummate family man, he always made his wife, children, and extended family his number one priority. He was a fixture on the sidelines during his children’s sporting events and in the audience for their dance and music recitals. He made spending time with his brother and sisters a priority, and served as a patient advocate for both his parents in their final years.

After being diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2011, Dick remained the eternal optimist; he charged forward with a positive outlook with his partner, Camille, by his side. Determined to live life on his terms, he was a firm believer in the old Frank Sinatra song, “I Did It My Way!” Dick succeeded in battling back cancer twice, determined to maintain an active lifestyle with renewed vigor each time. Several years ago, he was selected as a Patient Ambassador for Takeda Pharmaceutical due to his inspirational story, and together with Camille, traveled around the country spreading wisdom and hope to others who shared his condition.

When the opportunity came to take a tour through the Holy Land with his wife, it was to be his final journey. He was able to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, and find peace in the land of the Lord. His smile, his laugh, his generosity, and his joyous spirit will always be remembered by those of us who knew and loved him. May his memory be eternal.

***

“The beauty of the soul shines out when a man bears with composure

one heavy mischance after another, not because he does not feel them,

but because he is a man of high, heroic temper.”

— Aristotle

Funeral Service will be at St. Elias Melkite Greek Catholic Church, 8093 Memphis Avenue, Brooklyn, Ohio on Monday July 1, 2019 at 11:00 AM. (EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT THE CHURCH). Final Resting Place will be Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions requested to either Youth Challenge, 800 Sharon Drive, Westlake, Ohio 44145 or St. Elias Church. Friends received Sunday June 30, 2019, 1  to 6 PM with Trisagion Service at 5:00 PM at the A. RIPEPI AND SONS FUNERAL HOME, 18149 BAGLEY ROAD, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OH (West of I-71).

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