By Dianna Smith
OCEAN RIDGE — In his 83 years of life, Roy Titus started more than 15 businesses and he watched carefully as his four grown children continued what he had started so many years ago.
Titus, responsible for Minuteman Press International Inc. (a successful national printing franchise), died Aug. 11 after a struggle with liver and lung cancer. Memorial services took place in both New York and Palm Beach County and he was buried next to his wife, Barbara Titus, who died two years ago.
Roy Titus helped his son start Sign-A-Rama, based in Palm Beach County. There are now 100 locations in 50 countries.
Roy Titus loved to work, his daughter, Ellen Titus Lee said, and was still working when he turned 80.
The Tituses lived in Ocean Ridge for more than 15 years. And though Mr. Titus was born and raised in New York, his son, Raymond Titus, said his father felt he was a true Floridian because he was drawn to the state’s sunshine and its water. He spent many a day on his boat, fishing in the beautiful waters, hoping to catch that perfect sailfish or marlin. He kept a boat in Ocean Ridge and on Singer Island and looked forward to deep sea fishing when the weather was just right.
Lee, of Boynton Beach, said her father used to take his entire company fishing, even though he didn’t even cast a line during the trips. He was too busy enjoying everyone’s company.
“He had the biggest smile as he watched other people catch fish,” Lee said.
Roy Titus and his wife first lived in Boynton Beach many years ago and he was excited to finally move to Ocean Ridge so he could be closer to the water.
Lee had wanted to learn how to drive a boat so she could take her dad fishing while he was sick, but she never got the chance.
Raymond Titus called his dad a huge survivor. He battled open heart surgery, diabetes, cancer and emphysema as he smoked three packs a day for 50 years.
“Mentally he was probably the strongest human being that I’ve ever met,” Raymond Titus said. “He had such a positive mental attitude.”
He called his father a man with a huge personality.
“He was unique,” Raymond Titus said. “Very tough and driven, but also very soft and generous.”
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