Anthony A. LaRiche Jr.

Anthony Alfred LaRiche, Jr., age 72, peacefully passed away May 16, 2025. Beloved husband of 42 years to Jackie Burns-LaRiche; loving father of Holly Burns-LaRiche and Hilary Filipowicz (Joseph); devoted grandfather of Lila and Reese Filipowicz; and cherished brother to Jeffrey Ferenz. Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony Alfred LaRiche, Sr., and Elizabeth Margaret LaRiche, (nee Ruscin).

After decades living with the challenges of MS, Tony passed away from a recurrence of colon cancer with complications of MS. Tony was born on June 17, 1952 in Cleveland, Ohio becoming an active and devoted Clevelander in life and business. In a Plain Dealer article published October 18, 1999, Terry Troy inquired: “How does a successful lawyer from Phoenix become a successful automobile retailer in Greater Cleveland? For Tony LaRiche, president and general manager of Tony LaRiche Chevrolet in Willoughby Hills, it was all a part of coming back to his roots.” Tony continued the successful family automobile business, Tony LaRiche Chevrolet, fairly serving the community for over 55 years before retiring. As the third generation, he continued the values based business started by his grandfather, Michael LaRiche, Sr., who sold DeSotos, Hudson, and Wintons before joining his son, Tony LaRiche, Sr., at Southeast Chevrolet. Michael LaRiche’s principles of Make a friend, Sell a car, and Keep in touch evolved into Tony Junior’s values embodied in his TLC company branding. Serving on multiple automobile associations and boards, Tony continued the family legacy of values based business. Tony was especially proud of his work and leadership with the Chevy Network, Cleveland Auto Dealers’ Association, National Auto Dealers’ Association, and early advisory boards for OnStar and Sirius XM radio.

A lifelong Browns fan, he never missed a down. From the glory days of the 1950s & 1960s through the dark days after The Move to suffering through every game this last season. Beginning each game stating, right before kickoff, “Well Hol, maybe today… Garrett & the guys look ready.” “Any Given Sunday, Dad. Any. Given. Sunday.” Tony not only taught his love for the Browns, the Indians (ehhh the Guardians) to his daughters but he lived it. Whether away at school in Nashville, living in Phoenix, or with his adopted New York City and Middle Tennessee Browns Backers Clubs Tony wore his brown and orange proudly.

His love of sports included playing “Tony Golf” a game created by him, reflecting more of his passion than skill for the game. Though rarely the strongest in a foursome, Tony enjoyed a round whether for fun, business, or charity events. Tony’s love for playing softball was passed down to his daughter and now granddaughter.

Tony was devoted to his local alma mater, University School. His dedication to the Annual Fund fundraising drives and preparations for reunions were inspiring. Tony enjoyed connecting with his classmates and sharing life stories along with fond school memories. As the first graduating class, 1970, to graduate from the “new” Upper School campus in Hunting Valley he was excited to see it grow along with the talented young men who crossed those halls after him. But Tony’s heart remained with the Lower School campus in Shaker Heights where he spent his entire early education. The joy Tony had for assisting with the fundraising and support of The Class of 1970’s Arboretum was infectious to both his classmates and family.

Tony carried his love for learning and research into his time at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. Tony discovered his love for philosophy from Professor John Lachs and relied on those lessons throughout his life. The friends he made freshman year have endured through five decades. Tony never missed when a Vanderbilt game was broadcast, enjoying several this last season with his alumnae daughters and his wife.

After graduating from Vanderbilt, Tony headed as far west as the Pacific allowed and embarked on a law degree at California Western Law School in San Diego. Though Tony was a bit misguided in thinking he could study daily at the beach without the nuisance of sand in his casebooks, he persevered to graduate, pass the bar his first time, and open a successful law practice in Phoenix, Arizona. A young lawyer in the desert, Tony embraced the lifestyle and revelled in the legal research to grow his practice. Tony fell in love with a beautiful Quarter horse, Ready Set Go, learning how to ride from her. Tony met his beautiful wife through colleagues at his practice and while their life together moved them away from Arizona a piece of his heart remained in the desert.

Tony’s love of animals began with his childhood Schnauzer, Squire, grew with his horse Ready, and brought his family’s beloved Schnauzer, Wesley Wellington, into their lives. Named after John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, puppy-boy Wesley embodied Tony’s devotion to both his faith and his family. Wesley had his “desk” at Tony LaRiche Chevrolet and loved to tag along at church events, especially picnics. Tony’s connection with Methodism led him to hold leadership positions in his churches. He was an enthusiastic participant of the capital campaign and construction process for building a larger church in Chesterland when the Mayfield building became too small for the growing congregation. While living in Nebraska, Tony and Jackie moved there for her aging parents, he enjoyed the challenge of helping a young church develop. It continues to thrive today. He helped them grow ethically and responsibly. The devotions and friendships he shared in each church remained special to him to the end of his life here.

Vision and research were two of Tony’s skills he continued to share. Tony was appointed to two state Nursing Boards, Arizona and Nebraska, assisting each in fundamental changes to policy and practice. Tony was an active proponent in Nebraska for allowing APRNs to practice in areas of Nebraska where few to no doctors reached. He was a fierce and successful advocate for rehabilitative measures instead of punitive ones. Tony was committed to enabling all nurses to have the skills and support needed to succeed in a vital and demanding career.

After his MS diagnosis, Tony again delved into now medical research, becoming an advocate for MS patients. Tony participated in multiple studies over his decades living with MS, always focusing on improving things for future victims of MS. After the loss of Jackie’s parents, Tony and Jackie returned to Cleveland for the Cleveland Clinic’s Mellen Centre for Multiple Sclerosis. Tony’s daily dedication inspired all who encountered him. His team of physical therapists are exceptional. Tony looked forward to each session with them at Mellen, as well as with his home wholistic therapist. Each of them helped keep Tony vital, moving, and proud of daily accomplishments. As his home therapist said, “He worked harder than any human I have ever known.” One of his favorite phrases was coined from a precious friend’s mother, (who passed at age 102), “You gotta keep moving to keep moving.” And Tony, with Jackie’s unconditional support, did.

Tony was a present parent to both of his daughters. Whether it was a squeaky recorder recital, slow softball game, atonal musical, or competitive cross-country race, Tony cheered his daughters on; often offering advice, encouragement or a sprint to the finish line. He never missed an event, regardless of the constant demands on his time. Tony loved graduating from Dad to Grand-paw to Hilary’s beloved dog Tallulah to his ultimate role, Grampa to two amazing granddaughters. Tony and Jackie were blessed to live close to their daughter and her family. They all enjoyed many adventures to botanical gardens, nature preserves, and even discovered Candy Land hidden in a nature centre! Tony loved his time with his granddaughters giving wheelchair rides when the fun of pool time swims or arts and crafts tired them out. His particular favorite were the coloring stations laid out on their dining room table by his oldest granddaughter. Though he did not always receive a gold star for his efforts he loved it all the more. Precious memories were created and cherished by all. Tony did not allow his medical challenges to impede any of his Grampa life and love. His granddaughters delighted in play time at Tony and Jackie’s home, proudly showing off a new Mr. Potato Head creation or new treasure they discovered amongst the toys and games to their “Guppy.”

Tony was a dedicated son and son-in-law, loving and devoted husband, courageous father, doting grandfather, proud father-in-law, uncle to many, and a very cherished friend.

This world will be a dimmer and less interesting place without Tony LaRiche.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory to the following organizations would be appreciated:

The Cleveland Food Bank

The City Mission of Cleveland

The National MS Society

American Cancer Society

or The Charity of Your Choice affected by the recent federal cutbacks