Antenen, Jay F. Sr., 85, lifelong resident of Hamilton, died Sunday, January 25, 2009, at Fort Hamilton Hospital. Raised on North Seventh Street by Pauline Goetz Antenen and Edward W. Antenen, Jay graduated from Hamilton High in 1941. He received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Ohio State University and M.S. in Civil Engineering from Harvard University. During World War II, he served in the Merchant Marines as a Radio Officer on Liberty Ships.

Jay and his brother, Dan E. Antenen, created the Antenen Construction Company, which over 32 years constructed commercial and industrial buildings throughout Southwest Ohio. The company donated a farm on Four Mile Creek to the Butler County Parks District which became the Antenen Nature Preserve.

Active in Hamilton civic affairs, Jay at various times served as President of Greenwood Cemetery Association, President of the Hamilton General Contractors Association, and Chairman of the Hamilton Crafts Licensing Board. For many years, Jay organized the reunions for the Class of '41 and, as a member of the Rotary Club, chaired the Hamilton Science Fair. Dedicated to preserving historic Hamilton, he was President of the German Village Association, helped save the Anthony Wayne Hotel, and fought to save the arches of the High Street Bridge.

Committed to fairness and human dignity, Jay chaired Hamilton's Human Relations Commission in the 1970s which led to improved racial integration of the city's neighborhoods. As a volunteer and board member of the Institute of Cultural Affairs, he worked to help communities shape their visions for the future by leading town meetings throughout Kentucky and Ohio and village consults in Egypt, Micronesia, and East Asia.

An erudite lover of words, he wrote poetry and memoirs and was known to hold forth at meals and gatherings. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ann Antenen; his brother, Dan E. Antenen and sister, Mary Carol Goodman; children, Susan Antenen and Jay F. Antenen, Jr.; and four grandsons.

Friends may call from 1:30 – 2pm at the YWCA (Third and Dayton Streets) followed by memorial services at 2pm with reception to follow. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to Berkeley Square, Fitton Arts Center, Hamilton Community Foundation or Citizens for Historic and Preservation Services (CHAPS). Zettler Funeral Home serving the family.