GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—Thomas E. Anastor, president of Art Optical Contact Lens, Inc. from 1967 to 2013, has died at the age of 74, after a long illness. After serving in the United States Marine Corp., Anastor took over the family business—founded by his father as an ophthalmic lens manufacturing firm in 1931. Anastor became a pioneer in contact lens manufacturing in the late 50's and dedicated the next five decades to building the organization. As a global producer of high performance GP and custom soft lenses, under Anastor’s direction Art Optical grew from a regional laboratory to a world leader serving eyecare practitioners across the globe with exceptional quality specialty contact lenses.

Anastor was a dedicated supporter of optometry and optometric education, a member of the Grand Rapids Lions Club, and a recipient of several state and national industry awards, including the 2008 Trailblazer Award presented by the Contact Lens Manufacturer’s Association (CLMA). His vision and legacy continue under the direction of his wife, Jill Anastor, president.

There will be a wake for Anastor at Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 4291 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, Mich. Visitation will be from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday September 20, with a Trisagion service at 7:00 p.m.

A Service will take place September 21 at 11:00 a.m. at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 334 La Grave, Grand Rapids, Mich.

Memorial contributions can be sent to St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church or the Grand Rapids Lion's Club Foundation.