Providence Service Road Renamed in Honor of Dave Gavitt
Wednesday, January 04, 2012
In honor of Dave Gavitt, his hard work and dedication to the sport he loved and to the City and State which he called home, Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee, the Office of Providence Mayor Angel Taveras and the Providence City Council today held a street naming dedication ceremony to pay tribute to this Rhode Island legend.
The rededication of Service Road #8 was held at 1:00PM. More than 100 friends, family and dignitaries were on hand as the drapes covering the newly named signs were ceremoniously removed. A half-time ceremony will be held tonight at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center during the Providence College vs. Syracuse game at 9:00PM.
“We’re today to honor a great Rhode Islander and extraordinary Providence Friar – Dave Gavitt,” said Mayor Taveras in a statement. “From his work as a legendary coach at PC to serving as the first commissioner of the Big East Conference, to helping create the historic US Olympic Basketball Dream Team and on to working for the Boston Celtics front office, Dave Gavitt was an exceptional man who really put Providence and Rhode Island on the map. He made us proud to be from Providence, and he did it with a warm and winning personality – creating lasting friendships and gaining the respect and admiration of all who crossed his path.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“When Dave Gavitt passed, Rhode Island not only lost a great innovator and leader but a friend,” said Governor Lincoln Chafee. “The name Dave Gavitt is so deeply woven into the Rhode Island basketball fabric for which we are all so proud, he forever will be a part of our state’s history and we are pleased to honor him and his family by naming a street after this incredible man.”
Dave Gavitt enjoyed a career full of landmark achievements. He created one of the most successful college basketball conferences, the Big East, helped formulate the 1992 US Olympic Team, known as the “Dream Team,” led the Providence College Friars to the 1973 Final Four and served as a member of the Boston Celtics front office from 1990 to 1994.
“The Providence City Council takes great pride in naming a street after Dave Gavitt,” said Council President Michael Solomon. “He was a man of great intellect, sincerity and principle and I can’t think of a better way to show our appreciation and reverence for everything he has done for our City and the sport of basketball.”
“The entire Providence College community is joyful and grateful for this honor in memory of Dave Gavitt,” said Providence College President Fr. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. “Although most knew him as a Hall of Fame coach, athletic director and administrator, and for his foresight and vision, he was so much more. Dave was a teacher and a motivator, someone who inspired people and brought out the very best in them. He cared enough to make a difference in so many individuals’ lives, athletes and non-athletes alike.”