John Munro obit

John Richard "Dick" Munro

Monday, January 26th, 1931 - Sunday, August 11th, 2024 

He was not on the list.

J. Richard Munro of Naples, FL, and Clayton, NY, was born on January 26, 1931, in Syracuse, NY and died on Aug 11, 2024, in Naples, FL. The cause of death was melanoma cancer.

Dick Munro was many things, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, successful publisher, media pioneer, chairman and CEO, dedicated education activist, and tireless volunteer with a focus on supporting those less fortunate than he.

Dick enlisted in the Marine Corps fresh out of high school and served valiantly in the Korean Conflict. He was awarded three Purple Hearts. The Marines remained an essential part of who he was, and he embodied the Corp’s motto, Semper Fi. Always faithful.

Following his military service, Dick graduated from Colgate University with a B.A. in English with aspirations to be a high school principal. Instead, he took a job at Time Inc. as an ad salesman for Sports Illustrated and never looked back. He dutifully rose the corporate ladder from publisher of Sports Illustrated, to spearheading the development and launch of HBO, to Chairman and CEO in 1982.

He will be remembered most not by negotiating the groundbreaking merger of Time Inc. and Warner Communications, rather by his devotion and care for his employees. He knew the names and life stories of the custodians just as well as the executives. He was very much a man of the people.

Despite his corporate success, it was his volunteer work to champion the underserved that he found most fulfilling. Yes, his generous philanthropic support impacted thousands, but his contributions went well beyond writing a check. He rolled up his sleeves and worked, boots on the ground, to change the life trajectories of those who were compromised, particularly those who suffered due to inequity in our country’s public schools. Countless organizations prospered from his determination to level the playing field in education, including First Book Collier County, Fun Time Early Childhood Academy, Head Start at Avalon Elementary School, Champions for Learning, Adam J. Lewis Academy, and many more.

Outside of education, he served as a volunteer at Save the River, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Points of Light Foundation, Thousand Islands Land Trust, the United Way, and UNCF (formerly known as the United Negro College Fund). He believed in people’s fundamental decency and their duty to look out for one another. He was a fearless advocate and consummate cheerleader of the underdog. Speaking of underdog, he was a diehard, long-suffering Buffalo Bills fan. This is the year!

Cherished by his six grandchildren, grandpa “Richie” was and will remain a central influence in each of their lives. Each benefitted measurably from his unconditional love and support, as well as his sage wisdom and thoughtful guidance. Richie instilled in them the values of hard work, empathy, service, and humility.

Whether work, family, or friends, Dick invested himself and gave his all. He was serious when he had to be and lighthearted when he could be. His sense of humor was an essential part of who

he was. He loved to laugh, especially at himself. He made friends easily and worked hard to sustain those friendships. He was selfless to a fault, aways thinking of others first.

Safe passage, Dick, as the gentle currents of your beloved St. Lawrence River carry you to your final resting place.

He is survived by his wife, Carol, his three sons and daughter in-laws, John and Beth Munro of South Wales, NY, Doug Munro and Cena Abramo of Lake Placid, NY, Mac and Hillary Munro of Jackson, WY, six grandchildren who loved him dearly, and a newborn great granddaughter.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Dick’s honor to Fun Time Early Childhood Academy (www.funtimeacademy.org), Champions for Learning (www.championsforlearning.org), Adam J. Lewis Academy (www.ajlacademy.org), or Thousand Islands Land Trust (www.tilantrust.org).

A family celebration of life will take place on Murray Isle this fall.