Mr. Raymond George Antos

Mr. Raymond George Antos

Mr. Raymond George Antos

Mr. Raymond George Antos
November 24, 1932 – March 30, 2021

Raymond George Antos, 88, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 in Naples, Florida surrounded by his family.

Following his successful career as an automotive industry entrepreneur, Ray’s daughter Valerie had a business card made for him that said, “The best husband, father, grandfather and friend”. Those few words completely summed up Ray’s life. Raymond was born November 24, 1932 to Stanley and Millie Antos in Chicago, Illinois, and was an only child. He graduated from the University of Illinois in with a degree in engineering. He met his beautiful bride and wife of 68 years, Joan Solakiewicz in high school and they were later married in Chicago, Illinois. Shortly thereafter, Raymond began his lifetime career in the automotive industry, moving to Michigan, where he worked for several companies before becoming a partner in the successful Hi-Stat Industries. He ran the sales department in Bloomfield Hills until the company was sold in 1999. Ray and Joan had a fairy tale life together. Ray was the tall, handsome and silent type and Joan was movie star beautiful. They traveled the world, were legendary dancers and had fabulous parties at their homes in Orchard Lake and Naples. They forged lifetime friendships with people from all walks of life.

Ray was an avid golfer who belonged to five country clubs, Meadowbrook, Orchard Lake, Franklin Hills, Royal Poinciana and Country Club of Naples. He was known for his generosity in giving putts to his frequent guests. But Ray will most be remembered for his devotion to his family. Ray and Joan had two wonderful children, Mark and Valerie and four grandchildren, Molly Leebove, Jacob Leebove, Lauren Leebove and Blaze Antos. For close to 30 years Ray and Joan would take their children and grandchildren on amazing journeys during Christmas break to such places as India, Africa, South America, Asia and Europe. He imparted words of wisdom to his grandchildren without preaching. He was an example to them of what hard work and determination could produce in life.

He was also thrilled that later in his life he was blessed when Blaze was born to Mark and Lisa ensuring that the Antos name would be passed to another generation.

Raymond is survived by his wife, Joan; daughter, Valerie (Richard) Leebove; son Mark (Lisa) Antos; grandchildren, Molly Leebove, Jacob Leebove, Lauren Leebove, and Blaze; and numerous nieces and nephews. His parents preceded Raymond in death. Burial arrangements were made by Naples Funeral Home for those wishing to sign the guest book may do so by going to naplesfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be made to the charities of one’s choice.

Condolence

Rosellen Sallen

April 2, 2021, 3:42 pm

A man among men, larger than life and generous in every way. The Sallen family will miss his kindness and hospitality. Sending love to all of you, especially Joan.
Rose and Steve and Family

Greg Tarpinian

April 2, 2021, 4:55 pm

Dawn and Greg Tarpinian remember Ray as a welcoming and generous man who loved to laugh and bring friends into his an Joan’s home. Our thoughts are with Joan, Val, Richard, the grandchildren and the rest of Ray’s family and friends. May he Rest In Peace.

Nancy Gershenson

April 2, 2021, 7:00 pm

Our dear friend Raymond will be deeply missed by Dennis and me . He was generous and kind and loved life . His family and Joan were always his greatest joys. Our condolences to Joan and the family.

Brett Gasper

April 2, 2021, 9:30 pm

Absolute legendary guy. So kind and wise. Will always remember him fondly. We are wishing you and your family peace and tranquillity during this time of loss.

Sincerely,

The Gasper Family

Carol L

April 2, 2021, 9:58 pm

A truest good man who lived a good life. He will always be missed. Love to as of you.

Kathy & Ken Misiak

April 3, 2021, 1:27 am

We will always remember our “Dancing Friend “ at the black tie dances from the Villagers & Beverly Hills dance clubs. He & Joan could really show us how it’s done on the dance floor. We also enjoyed our frequent dinners & dancing at the Clawson Steakhouse. He truly was special & we will miss him very much. Our thoughts & prayers are with Joan and his family.

Susan and Steve Belen

April 3, 2021, 4:12 am

Our deepest condolences to Joan, Valerie, Richard, Molly, Jake, Lauren, Mark, Lisa and Blaze. Raymond was a dear friend and will be remembered with great affection. An outstanding man who accomplished a lot and left us all inspired to be our best. Thank you Raymond for sharing your life with us. We are eternally grateful. We love you, Susan and Steve

Sherri and George glassman

April 3, 2021, 12:02 pm

Val and Richard and family, We are so sorry for your loss . I know he will be missed by his loving family . Hugs to all of you

michael fox

April 3, 2021, 12:57 pm

A man and friend who may be described as above.
never judgmental
always loving
and giving
brought joy to many
and was given great joy
humble
patient
an example for all

Gail & Jim Gualdoni, Wolverine Lake MI

April 3, 2021, 1:55 pm

Ray was outstanding for his warm courtesy and kindness to friends. He was a model of courtesy, kindness and generosity. The world is a much better place because he was here among us — and we are better human beings for knowing him.

David Gasper

April 3, 2021, 5:46 pm

This great man defines the word “Legacy”. Legacy of giving, of love, kindness, hard work, of loyalty, and a legacy of laughter.

We were all so much better for having known him and will be greatly missed by the entire Gasper family. His legacy will live in our hearts forever.

Jerry and Fran Wigod

April 3, 2021, 10:47 pm

Dear Joan, We are very sorry for your loss. Our condolences to you and your family.

Mary and Kevin Counihan

April 4, 2021, 11:02 am

Kevin and I are grateful we met Ray and Joan in recent years and so appreciated how they enjoyed life—people, parties, and even seeing Ray on the golf course many times this past winter. We will miss seeing this lovely couple who always greeted us so warmly.
Our deepest sympathy and love,
Mary and Kevin

Joan Chamberlin, Jim Birkholz

April 4, 2021, 7:25 pm

Raymond was such a dear friend! A lovely traveling partner. We enjoyed visiting the world on ships and by car in so many countries. Jim and I are sending our love to Joan, and the family. He will truly be missed, but will live on in our hearts, remembering this wonderful man.

Tara Clavenna

April 4, 2021, 8:33 pm

Raymond will be missed by anyone who had the pleasure to know him.

Karen cantor

April 5, 2021, 1:14 pm

My deepest condolences to Joan and the rest of the family. Ray, was a big daddy, larger than life.
One of the sweetest, nicest, most genuine and generous men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.
His love for his wife, wether twirling her around the dance floor, or playing a hand of cards could melt your heart.
You will be missed, but never forgotten.
Xoxo Karinsky and family

nikki rubenstein

April 5, 2021, 4:19 pm

Ray was a great guy…He will be missed at the Clawson Steak House. My condolences to Joan and all his family and friends. Nikki Rubenstein

Ulrike and Michael Meier

April 5, 2021, 8:33 pm

Raymond – a neighbor, a role model, a friend.
We enjoyed 10 intense years with Raymond. He always inspired us with his ideas, his enthusiasm for life, his interest in foreign cultures, his humanity. With an open heart he welcomed us as newcomers from Germany to the Venice Isle community. From this first acquaintance grew a close friendship not only to Raymond, but also to Joan, Valerie and Richard.
We share the deep sorrow of Joan, Valerie, Richard and the entire Antos and Leebove family. Raymond will remain present in our hearts and memories for the rest of our lives.
Ulrike and Michael Meier

Laurel Elsea

April 6, 2021, 4:06 pm

I’ve reflected on the many wonderful times we shared. I am sure Dick was there to welcome him, and by now they have a golf date arranged. Ray was someone we both admired and respected for so many reasons, and it was a privilege to know him. I’ve been thinking of you often this week, and hope you find comfort in the strength of your family. Laurie Elsea

Lee and Pam Nagle

April 6, 2021, 9:14 pm

We will always remember the wonderful “kid” parties at Sylvan Lake— we had the two boys- Molly and Jake’s ages— pizza, Halloween in the tunnel etc and lived 2 houses down. He was a wonderful, father and grandfather– fun, kind and generous.

Our thoughts and prayers, Lee and Pam Nagle

John Randall

April 7, 2021, 12:08 am

I myself John Randall did not know Ray and Joan as well as a lot of people. My mother Linda Sabatini worked for them for many years. They are the most generous people I have ever met. When me and my brother and sister were growing up, my mom was a single mother with 3 kids trying to make ends meet. The car she had was not in the best shape. So one year, Ray and Joan gave her a big bonus and told her to go buy a new car so she didn’t have to worry about her car breaking down anymore. That was when I was about fifteen and now I am fifty-two and I still think about how Ray and Joan helped my mother and us kids. Joan, Ray will be missed by many people. I am sure he touched many peoples lives just by being the awesome person he is. I just wanted to say thank you for being awesome people and treating us like family.

Alex and Cheryl Goldis

April 8, 2021, 11:38 pm

Dear Valerie,Richard, Leebove Family! Our condolences to you. While we didn’t have many interaction with Raymond, however from thecouple we had, his presence was engaging, warm and very friendly. I personally did business with his former company and I am sure Raymond had a major contribution to its recognition in the industry.
Your neighbor and friends Alex and Cheryl Goldis

Spence and Nancy Edwards

April 16, 2021, 2:55 am

What memories…. became college friends at University of Illinois and made one of those legendary spring break trips to Florida. Refound each other later in life and managed to get together both on trips and in our homes for good times though we lived far apart. We loved Ray, and our hearts are with Joan, the family and all the friends who will miss him greatly. He did live live fully, with grace and generosity. Love, Spence and Nancy Edwards

Annie Solakiewicz

June 9, 2021, 7:07 am

I am so sorry for your loss. Uncle Ray was always so kind to my family and I. My heart is with the Antos family during this time.

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