Richard A. Smith

Richard Alan Smith (November 1, 1924 – September 9, 2020) was an American businessman who was CEO of General Cinema Corporation.

Biography Smith was born in 1924 the son of Philip Smith. His father founded Midwest Drive-In Theaters which in 1941, operated 9 of 15 drive-in movie theaters in the U.S. In 1946, he joined his father's company. and branched out into other lines of business including the Richard's Drive-Ins restaurant chain, Amy Joe's Pancake Houses, and several bowling alleys in order to diversify their revenues which were under pressure as more people stayed home to watch television. His father died in 1961 and Richard succeeded him as CEO.

Philanthropy He and his wife founded the Richard and Susan Smith Family Foundation. Since 1973, the foundation has donated $45.6 million to Boston's Jewish community of which $24 million was given to Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Boston (CJP).

Personal life In 1952, Smith married Susan Flax who was Jewish. They had four children: James Smith (who died in 1970), Amy Smith Berylson, Robert Smith, and Debra Smith Knez. His son, Robert Smith and son-in-law Brian Knez, were co-CEOs of Harcourt General until its sale then co-founded private equity shop Castanea Partners in 2001.