Richard A. Rosenfield

Richard A. Rosenfield, 87, a former president of M&R Theaters, Chicago's last significant locally owned movie chain, and a repeat theater executive died Friday, July 29, in his Highland Park home. Richard was known for his tenacity and creativity. He grew M&R, which had been jointly owned by the Rosenfield and Marks families since the 1950s, into a 70-screen chain. The company also owned drive-in theaters, roller-skating rinks, bowling alleys, and car washes. He sold the chain in 1988 to New York-based Loews Theatre Management Corp and went on to help found and sell two other major theater chains, including the largest chains in Mexico and Vietnam. A lifelong Chicago-area resident, Richard was a graduate of Senn High School and Northwestern University, where he met his beloved wife of 63 years Barbara (Yellin) Rosenfield. Along with Barbara, Richard was a steadfast supporter of the Jewish community and a proponent of Jewish education and lifelong learning. He and Barbara were long-time members of Beth El Synagogue and benefactors of the Central Avenue Synagogue, Ida Crown Jewish Academy, Solomon Schechter Day School, Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy, and the Jewish United Fund. Richard possessed joie de vivre in all facets of his life. He was an avid tennis player, golfer, horseman, and cyclist. He instilled this love of sport, food, and life in his entire family over many shared outings and meals. Richard is survived by his loving children Steven Rosenfield, Marci (Jeff) Lefkovits, and Julie (Rick) Friedman; loving former daughter-in-law Pondy Rosenfield; proud grandchildren Scott Rosenfield, Courtney Rosenfield Kalter (Zach), Michael (Sarah) Lefkovits, Jacob Friedman, Jonathan (Leora) Lefkovits, Sophia Friedman, Jordan Rosenfield, Matthew Friedman, Olivia and Ethan Lefkovits; and new great-granddaughter Bryna Lefkovits. Services will be held at Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home, 111 Skokie Blvd, Wilmette on Monday at 2 PM. Interment Rosehill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ida Crown Jewish Academy.