Raymond Lavin Obituary

Mr. Lavin, was my art teacher when I was in 7th grade att F A DAY JUNIOR HIGH.
Fantastic art teacher.
He will be missed!

A cherished colleague at Day Junior High school.

Ray was a cherished colleague at FA Day Junior High School. I valued his friendship and mentoring.

I remember Mr. Lavin (I never called him Ray) as a free spirit; independent, funny and a unique, original human being in every way.

If it hadn't been for Mr. Lavin I'd never have read Nietzsche or, in all likelihood, Rilke or Kafka, either. Mr. Lavin talked about his favorite authors often in the years I knew him.

In those gray-flannel years of the old Day Jr. High, Mr. Lavin stood out from the others; spoke about things, artistic, political, social and otherwise, in a way like no other teacher at that school in those years.

He is one teacher whom I shall never forget.


RIP, Raymond Lavin

Mr Lavin added Art to my most pleasured experiences in life. He inspired me in 1963 after taking his sculpture class at Pine Manor College, to continue my studies. I eventually became an art teacher as well and loved it. I remember him fondly.

Meg and family.. bless you all for your loss. Sounds like an amazing father as well as community minded individual. Touched many lives!
Melissa Garvan (DH '75)

Yes sad to hear this news...he was one of my favorite Day Jr High teachers! He was always so warm & funny & supportive & creative! His room always felt so safe & non-competitive & welcoming especially in 7th grade which was not otherwise a fun school year for me. His easy going manner set him apart from the rest of the teachers & made school fun!

I am very saddened to hear of Ray Lavin's passing. He meant a great deal to me as my art teacher at Day Jr, High. At a time when I was a rebellious kid, he understood me and motivated me work hard and take my talent seriously. I'll never forget when he took me out of classes for 2 weeks to go to Brandeis University and film an animation for the school play, "Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat," I learned so much from that experience. His inspiration will always play a big part in my career as an artist an animator, I am grateful to have known him. My thoughts and best wishes go out to his family.

I am very saddened to hear of Ray Lavin's passing. He meant a great deal to me as my art teacher at Day Jr, High. At a time when I was a rebellious kid, he understood me and motivated me work hard and take my talent seriously. I'll never forget when he took me out of classes for 2 weeks to go to Brandeis University and film an animation for the school play, "Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat," I learned so much from that experience. His inspiration will always play a big part in my career as an artist an animator, I am grateful to have known him. My thoughts and best wishes go out to his family.

Mr. Lavin was my art teacher at F.A. Day. He was caring, kind, and really knew how to bring out the best in a young person. I struggled with classes, but he made me feel good, and important. He also came to our family's art supply store, so it was a chance for me to know him as a "person", and not just a teacher. He was wonderful. He will be missed. Thank you Mr. Lavin.

I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Lavin's passing. . he was a great teacher and became a good friend to my mom, the late Eleanor Antonellis. . she adored him. . he made her work at Day Jr. High that much more enjoyable and she often had a story at the dinner table about something Mr. Lavin said or did. My deepest condolences for your loss.

Mr. Lavin was my FA Day home room teacher, and my favorite art teacher . His humor and guidance helped a shy 14 year old learn that she too could share a love of art with others. Thanks to him I became an art teacher, working with troubled teens. My life was fuller having known him. My thoughts are with his family.

One of the only FA Day teachers I remember, a nice guy, well liked, my condolences to his family, and I graduated in the 70's for Day!

To one of the best friends ever.

My condolences to Ray's family. I was one of his (F.A Day) students that was inspired by his humor and enthusiasm. R.I.P. Sir