Ray Lavietes’ name still echoes within the Harvard basketball program, and not just because the Crimson’s facility is named after him.
 
After competing on the Harvard boxing team as a freshman, Lavietes switched to basketball as a sophomore. He was a two-year letterwinner for the Crimson, and his love of Harvard and Harvard basketball stretched throughout his life. Lavietes remained enthusiastically involved with his alma mater, serving as president of the Harvard Club of Southern Connecticut and council member of the Harvard College Fund, as well as chair of the Friends of Harvard Basketball.
 
After graduating, Lavietes joined the family business, Shelton Basket Company, which later was renamed Shelton Products. He also owned Shelton Plating Company and started Derby Sponge Products.
 
Lavietes also made an impact on his community. He was the founder and director of the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. He served as president of the Derby-Shelton Kiwanis Club and director and president of the Shelton-Derby YMCA.
 
In 1995, Lavietes gave a significant gift to completely renovate Harvard’s basketball gymnasium, and Lavietes Pavilion was born. Lavietes will always be remembered for the generosity and love of the Harvard program which inspired the refurbishing of the basketball facility that included a new lobby, new locker rooms and coaching offices for both the men and the women, an on-site training room and a beautiful second-floor lounge that overlooks both the court and the Charles River.
 
The men’s basketball program’s Most Valuable Player award is named for Ray Lavietes. In 1994, Lavietes was honored with the Harvard Medal, for extraordinary service to the University.
 
Estelle Lavietes will represent her husband, who passed away in 2003, when the League honors the Legends of Ivy League Basketball.