News

    BOCA RATON — Anthony James Comparato, a 30-year resident of Boca Raton, passed away peacefully Oct. 25 surrounded by his family. He was 93.
    He was the founder of Compson Development, a local real estate firm he started in Rochester, N.Y., more than 70 years ago. He was later joined by his three sons, who together worked with him successfully for more than 45 years.
    Mr. Comparato started building houses in 1946 after returning from World War II. He built more than 2,000 homes before developing retail centers and office buildings. He built his first retail center in 1960.
    He was also the founder of 1st United Bank, a local Boca Raton bank, and acted as chairman of the board and CEO from 1987 to 1998, when it was sold to Wachovia Bank, now Wells Fargo.
    Mr. Comparato served in the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division as a sergeant and fought in the campaign to free Italy.
He personally captured more than 30 prisoners of war and was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery in combat.
    He was a generous and compassionate philanthropist who supported the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, the Debbie-Rand Memorial Service League, the Rotary Club, the Red Cross, Florida Atlantic University, Lynn University, Boca Raton Regional Hospital as well as numerous veterans organizations.
    He enjoyed helping others and always attempted to make a difference in people’s lives.
    Mr. Comparato will be greatly missed by his entire family and so many people who were touched by his generosity, compassion and love. He was one of a kind and touched many lives — and “did it his way.”
    Mr. Comparato was married to Edith, the love of his life, for 63 years. She passed away in 2010. He is survived by his three sons, James (Paulette); Robert and Thomas; his loving grandchildren, Lisa (Carl) Klepper, Lori (Bobby) D’Angelo, Lindsay (Patrick) McAteer, Michael (Bel) Comparato and Jeffrey (Jennifer) Comparato; and his 11 great-grandchildren.
    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. Comparato’s memory to Boca Raton Regional Hospital or the Wounded Warrior Project.
— Obituary provided by the family