Obituary: Richard Edward Conte, 75

The following is an obituary submitted by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory:

Richard Edward Conte of Alpharetta, GA, and Bonita Springs, FL, died in his home surrounded by family on Sunday, July 21, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Dick Conte was born on June 12, 1936, in St. Albans, VT, to Felix and Giselle Conte, the second of five sons. He grew up in Taunton, MA. He attended University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where he received a BA in business. Dick earned his way through college with scholarships and hard work.

He was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity, Adelphia honor society, and the Statesmen chorale group, among other activities. In 1960, he married his high school sweetheart, Roberta Sacco. Together they created a loving family and a beautiful life, and they developed an ever growing community of friends. For fifty-three years, they charmed friends and family alike and became known affectionately as "The Dick and Bobbie Show."

Dick served in the U.S. Army at Ft. Bliss, Texas, as First Lt. A self-made man, Dick began his career with Ford Motor Company where he was a zone manager for the S.E. district. He later joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and retired in 1997 as Mid-Atlantic district manager.

Dick enjoyed an active retirement as an avid golf and tennis player and a voracious reader. A skillful golfer, Dick shot a hole-in-one and regularly shot his age when he was in his early seventies. He was a charter member of Country Club of the South and most recently a member of Spring Run Golf Club in Bonita Springs, FL, and of the Alpharetta Athletic Club. Dick founded an annual tournament for the AAC, which was renamed the Dick Conte Senior Men’s Member/Guest Tournament in his honor.

He also enjoyed dancing, traveling, entertaining, parties, sports, good music, and most especially his dear family and multitude of cherished friends. Dick delighted in life and in everyone he met, and he was a joy to be with. He was known for his sharp wit and fun sense of humor. The hundreds of cards and messages that Dick has received since the onset of his illness are a testament to his charismatic and engaging personality.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Bobbie; brothers Leo, Maurice, and Stephen; children Rick Conte, Richelle Conte, Robin Isaf and son-in-law Lou Isaf; and grandchildren Ben Conte, and Robby, Katie, Nick, and Michael Isaf, and several nieces and nephews.

Visitations will take place as follows: on Monday, July 22, from 5-8 p.m.; and on Tuesday, July 23, from 3-7 p.m. at Northside Chapel Funeral Home, 12050 Crabapple Rd., Roswell, GA 30075, 770-645-1414. A Rosary will be prayed during the Tuesday, July 23 visitation, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

On August 19, a memorial mass will be held at St. Brigid Catholic Church, 3400 Old Alabama Rd., Johns Creek, GA 30022, at 11:00 .a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The American Cancer Society and/or The St. Vincent de Paul Society. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors in Roswell, GA. 770-645-1414. www.northsidechapel.com