The Baruch College Athletic Department is saddened to announce that former Athletic Director and Men's Basketball Coach Ray Rankis has passed away.
   
Rankis was the second-winningest men's basketball coach in CUNY Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) history and was also second longest tenured coach (29 years) behind CCNY legend Nat Holman (37 years).

During his 29 years as coach, Rankis compiled a 419-361 overall record that included winning the CUNYAC Championship in 2000 and making three appearances in the NCAA Division III Tournament (2000, 2006, 2009).

Rankis also coached the team to two ECAC Metro Region Postseason Championships in 2003 and 2010.

"Ray was the face of the Baruch Men's Basketball team for a long time and as I am told coached the team with class and contributed heavily to the Athletics department in varied ways over the years," said Director of Athletics & Recreation Heather MacCulloch. "He was a mainstay of the Bearcats family and will be sorely missed."

"Today is a difficult day for the Baruch basketball family with the passing of Coach Ray Rankis," said Head Men's Basketball Coach John Alesi, who also played for Ray and won a CUNYAC Championship together. "For over 30 years, he served Baruch with the utmost class and dignity. His on court success speaks for itself but his lasting legacy will be the countless lives he touched.  He was loved by so many and he will be missed greatly."

Ray wore many hats in the athletic department from athletic director to at one time the tennis and cross country coach. He announced his retirement on March 6, 2012.  

He is a 1975 graduate of Lehman College, where completed his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communications. He earned his Master of Science degree in Physical Education in 1980. He is a member of the Baruch College and Lehman College Sports Hall of Fame, as well as the Latvian-American Sports Hall of Fame.

In addition to his role as coach and administrator, Ray was a friend and mentor to many of that student-athletes he served during his 30+ years in athletic administration. He will be sorely missed.

Ray is survived by his wife Ann-Maria and their children, Matthieu and Simone.

DETAILS

Viewing will be on July 7, from 4:00pm-8:00pm at Lloyd & Maxcy & Sons Beauchamp Chapel, Inc at 16 Shea Place in New Rochelle, NY, 10805 (914-632-2700). 

The service will be on July 8 at 1:30pm (viewing 1 hour before at the church) at St. Luke's Lutheran Church at 95 Eastchester Road, New Rochelle, NY, 10801.

***In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to St. Luke's in Ray's name.