R
ichard Mark Alter, a Maryland real estate executive and former collegiate lacrosse standout, passed away on July 17 at the age of 81 due to cardio-renal failure. He was president and CEO of Manekin, a Baltimore-based firm that developed over 20 million square feet of industrial and commercial space across the Mid-Atlantic region.

    Alter's career spanned more than five decades, during which he guided Manekin through significant growth and oversaw high-profile projects in Columbia, Hampton, Va., and Prince George's County. Born in Baltimore in 1943 to a family of real estate investors, Alter graduated from Brown University with a degree in political science and was named an All-American lacrosse goalie in 1966.

    After serving as a medic in the U.S. Air Force, Alter earned his law degree from the University of Maryland in 1970 and joined Manekin the following year. Under his leadership, the company became a major force in shaping Maryland's commercial real estate landscape through innovative financing partnerships with institutions like Boston's Copley Real Estate Advisors.

    Alter held numerous civic and philanthropic roles outside of business, including serving on boards for Johns Hopkins Heart Institute, Sinai Hospital, and the Baltimore City Housing Partnership. He was also a past president of Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School. Alter is survived by his wife, Rosalie; their three children; two sisters; and eight grandchildren.