Anton Szandor LaVey (11 April 1930 - 29 October 1997), born Howard Stanton Levey, was the founder and High Priest of the Church of Satan, author of The Satanic Bible, and creator of the religion known as as LaVeyan Satanism.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, LaVey spent most of his life in San Francisco, California. He pursued a variety of occupations before Walpurgisnacht, 30 April 1966, when, according to himself, he ritualistically shaved his head and founded the Church of Satan. Some of his followers (most notably Michael Aquino) have disputed the accuracy of this account of the Church's founding. LaVey remained High Priest until his death.

An eclectic individual, he was fond of music, painting, antique automobiles, firearms, and animals (particularly the big cats). He is survived by his consort, Blanche Barton, son Xerxes, ex-wife Diane LaVey, daughters Karla and Zeena Schreck, and grandson Stanton Zaharoff LaVey.

	Results from FactBites:
	Anton LaVey - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (1963 words) Anton Szandor LaVey (born Howard Stanton Levey, 11 April 1930 – 29 October 1997), was the founder and High Priest of the Church of Satan, author of The Satanic Bible, founder of the philosophy known as LaVeyan Satanism. The legend that LaVey moved back to San Francisco and worked for awhile as a photographer for the Police Department is false due to the fact that The San Francisco Police Department have no record of a Howard Levey or Anton Lavey ever working there. Another rumor that Anton was avoiding the draft during the Korean War, by enrolling in San Francisco City College as a criminology major is also proven false as SFCC has no record of him ever attending that college.
	More results at FactBites »