LAWRENCE LOVETT

LOVETT--Lawrence Dow,

passed away at the age of 86 on February 1, 2016 in Monte Carlo, Monaco after a brief illness. Larry was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. He graduated from Lee High School in 1947, Harvard College in 1951, and Harvard Law School in 1954. Following his service in the United States Army, Larry spent the next 25 years helping his family build and amass a vast and diverse portfolio of businesses in the oil tanker, grain and cargo shipping, cruise line, grocery, real estate, and shipyard industries. An accomplished pianist himself, Larry was dedicated to the arts. For over 45 years, he was a distinguished member of the Metropolitan Opera Board: Managing Director from 1971 to 1989; Honorary Director from 1989 until his death; President of the Metropolitan Opera Guild from 1971 to 1979; Guild Chairman from 1979 to 1986; Metropolitan Opera National Council. He was also Chairman of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center from 1988 to 1993, and a board member of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. For more than 30 years, Larry lived in Venice, Italy, and was actively involved with restoration projects there. In 1998, he founded Venetian Heritage, whose mission is to safeguard the cultural heritage found in the architecture, music, and art in Venice and other places throughout the former Venetian Empire. Larry was a true gentleman - gracious, kind, and generous - who was well known and well loved. He will be remembered as a man of many talents, a devoted and loyal friend, and a welcoming and impeccable host. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Donations may be made to Venetian Heritage, 232 East 59th Street, 5th Floor, New York, New York 10022.