Richard J. Anthony

Guilderland ~

Richard J. Anthony, 81, of Guilderland, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 2, 2017.

He was the son of the late Luiz Antonio and Maria (Araujo) Antonio.

Richard was the devoted husband of over 58 years to his wife Jeanette.

He proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1954-1958 and was honorably discharged. He was employed with Ottaway Newspapers, (a subsidiary of Dow Jones) beginning his career at the Standard Times Newspaper in New Bedford, MA as an Advertising Salesman in 1961. The first management decision by the Ad Manager that hired him was to give him a Portuguese/American dictionary. Richard retired in 1998, as a publisher of the Oneonta Daily Star, Oneonta, NY. When he retired, he was probably the only publisher in the history of Dow Jones without a college degree.

Richard enjoyed golf, his family, reading newspapers, the beach, cookouts and clam boils. As a young man, he played football and baseball on high school teams earning the nickname "Rock". Yes, he felt he was the first and only! In early adulthood, he enjoyed playing softball. In later years, he equally enjoyed coaching his son's sports teams. One of his favorite moments was when his Plattsburgh city Police Babe Ruth team beat his best friend, Tony Fazzone's, Mama Mia's team in the championship. Both managers displayed their best "Lou Pinella'" hat kicking moves.

He loved taking the family to Cape Cod in the summer. One of his favorite memories was our trip to West Yarmouth. He befriended our neighbor, who he affectionately nicknamed Harley. He spent the evening drinking the neighbor's beer and laughing. Thankfully, no search party needed.

Our parents enjoyed dancing. It was always a thrill to watch them at weddings and parties clear the floor. His fondest memory was having won the St Peter's dance contest with Carolyn. They won the contest although he remained insistent the only reason was that he was the school board President. Modest to the end.

His skill at clam boils was well known throughout the family and neighborhoods. He really enjoyed the first one we had with our neighbors at Chateauguay Lake. He might have been intentionally slow to teach them how to clean the clams before eating them. Finally, when he asked how we could enjoy these 'dirty things' he showed them the trick. He got a good belly laugh. Loved to remind them of the story whenever the chance came up.

Survivors include his wife, Jeanette; his children, Susan McAvoy, Martha-Marie Vetrero, Rick Anthony, Carolyn (Steven) Adam, Maribeth (Robert) Corduck; his grandchildren, Shannon McAvoy, Brittany Urbinas, Nikki Anthony, Meagan Mellin, Michael Vetrero, Jessica Mellin, Lexi Anthony, Bianca Adam, Sophia Adam, and his great granddaughter Laila McLucas.

Richard is also survived by his four sisters; Nora (Cletus) Lawson, Rosary Kay, Mary (Cliff) Hathaway and Natalie Dias, as well as his brother-in-law J. Paul (Carol) Davignon and sister-in-law Erica Anthony. Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Maurice Anthony, his brother-in-laws; Ray Hevey, Wesley Kay and Arthur Dias.

The family would like to thank Capital Care of Guilderland for their constant care and guidance, as well as the doctors, nurses and staff at Albany Medical Center for their care, dedication and commitment to Richard and his family.

At the request of the family, there will be a private memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to:

St. Madeleine Sophie Catholic School,
3510 Carmen Rd.,
Schenectady, NY 12303

or Hannah's Hope for GAN,
19 Blue Jay Way,
Rexford, NY 12148,

in memory of Richard J. Anthony.