Special Olympics is mourning the passing of Larry Lucchino, a longtime supporter and former member of the Special Olympics International Board of Directors. He was an attorney and high-level sports executive, who served as president of the Baltimore Orioles, the San Diego Padres, and the Boston Red Sox.
More recently, Lucchino became president and CEO emeritus of Fenway Sports Group, which purchased the team known as the Pawtucket Red Sox and eventually moved them to Worcester, Mass.
Lucchino was involved in Special Olympics for many years, also serving on the International Board of Directors from 2010 to 2017. He attended many milestone events, including the 2011 World Summer Games in Athens, Greece. In addition, Lucchino participated in Special Olympics Unified Sports competitions, which bring together people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same teams. He would often host local Special Olympics athletes from across New England for events at Fenway Park, home to the World Series champion Boston Red Sox. Lucchino also ensured the Special Olympics movement's 50th Anniversary was highlighted on a special night at Fenway.
In the words of Special Olympics Chairman Tim Shriver, "Larry Lucchino was not only a World Series winner but also a winner in the game of life, always welcoming Special Olympics athletes to Fenway and every other park too." He added, "As successful as he was professionally, he was just as loyal as a friend."
Larry Lucchino was 78 years old.
