Dr. Kenneth Ravizza

1948 - 2018

BORN

1948

DIED

2018

FUNERAL HOME

Lighthouse Funeral & Cremation - Union City

1276 Tate Trail

Union City, Michigan

Kenneth Ravizza Obituary

Name: Celebration of Life for Dr. Kenneth Ravizza
Start: 2018-08-12T16:30:00.000Z
Location: South Coast Botanic Garden

Jan 21, 1948 - July 8, 2018Dr. Kenneth Ravizza, an internationally renowned leader and pioneer of sports psychology and mental skills programs, and long-time resident of Redondo Beach, died on July 8, 2018. The cause of death was a heart attack. Ravizza's reach was wide and long, impacting athletes and coaches from the professional, college, and amateur ranks, Olympic athletes and more. A Professor at Cal State Fullerton for 38 years, he created one of the first applied sport psychology graduate training programs in the United States as well as the University's first undergraduate stress management course. During his tenure, he taught thousands of students as well as consulted with coaches and athletes in multiple sports to introduce the "mental game" as part of their holistic training. He worked with musicians, heart surgeons, US Military cadets, hospice personnel and beyond. As tributes poured in from around the world, the common thread was his kindness, compassion, ability to listen, his lasting impact on individual lives and his ability to help others achieve their dreams, whatever they may be. Because he was non-judgmental, accepting of all cultures and points of view, he established immediate trust as he used his skills in humanistic psychology to help people, athletes or not, apply his teachings to everyday life. Ravizza is survived by Claire Tehan Ravizza, his wife of 46 years, daughters Monica and Nina, his brothers Richard and Joseph Ravizza, adopted brother Jim Tehan, and many nieces and nephews. Surrounded by his immediate family, he died peacefully, the way he lived his life. A celebration of his life will be held at 9:30 am on Sunday, August 12, 2018 at the South Coast Botanic Garden, Palos Verdes Peninsula. If you would like to honor his memory, donations may be made to: Heal the Bay, ACLU, or Ken Ravizza Scholarship hhd.fullerton.edu/main/scholarship/KenRavizza/index.htmPlease sign the guestbook at dailybreeze.com/obits. WL00168390-image-1.jpg,WL00168390-image-2.jpg

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Published by Daily Breeze on Jul. 22, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Ravizza

Sponsored by Daily Breeze.

9 Entries

December 26, 2018

I'm very sorry for the loss of your loved one. May God provide you the comfort you need during this difficult time.

Jason Ravizza

November 24, 2018

This man, my uncle Dr. Ken Ravizza was a man of compassion, a man of character, a man of integrity and a man who literally gave his life passionately to the work he loved, Sports Psychology. He touched many many lives in his valuable work with his valuable career. May his continued legacy live on through those whose lives he positively influenced.

August 12, 2018

Ken left an imprint on my heart/mind since 1984 at CSUF. I use a lot of what I learned from Ken in my job and day to day life. Whenever I coach baseball I refer to Ken all the time and share about his stories and his book Heads up Baseball. Ken was such a caring soul and I will miss you. Ken this is a Hard One for me to say Flush It. My prayers and strength are with your family.

Mike Halasz
1984 CSUF Baseball

Jim Happ

August 12, 2018

Teacher, mentor and friend. His impact was for me immediate and life lasting. We are only here for a short while and giving to others means so much. Thank you Ken for all that you have given and know that those you touched are still passing on the wisdom and knowledge and love that you shared.

Victor Barrios

August 8, 2018

Dr. Ravizza was one of the best professors I had while attending CSF. Had many conversations with him in his office. God Bless the Ravizza Family

Us ONeilla

July 22, 2018

We were real shocked and saddened to hear about Ken's passing. Matt keeps talking about what a great guy he was, so kind. We feel for you, Claire, Mo, Nina and Jim. We have many many fond memories of you guys, especially playing the football pool! You are in our thoughts and prayers always.

The ONeills: Jan, Bob, Zack and Matt

Sandy Nash

July 22, 2018

Claire and Family: I am so sorry to hear of Ken's passing. I remember him well. My prayers for you and your family.

Daily reminders for life.

TOM HARMON

July 21, 2018

TOM HARMON

July 21, 2018

Hi,
Met Ken as a speaker approx. 15 years ago. His style, tone and choice of phrases immediately resonated with me both as an athlete and as a coach. We proceeded to be Ravizza disciples in our softball program,
utilizing many of his mental exercises. Was lucky enough to hear him speak several times up here in Seattle.
Thought it was so fantastic to see him in the background two years ago in the Cubs locker room when they beat the Dodgers to go to the World Series, and he was dripping with beer and champagne. E-mailed him and told him how excited I was to see that. He was very gracious in visiting with me about it.
His teachings have made a world difference in our program, both with softball skills but more importantly with the life skills that our athletes take with them. Our success each year (13 state appearances in 16 years) is unmatched in our area, and Ken is a huge reason.
Have included two items that have been part of out core philosophies that we have borrowed from him.
He will be greatly missed. Best wishes and condolences from:

Tom Harmon
Nooksack Valley Athletic Director/Softball coach
and all the Nooksack Valley SB staff and athletes

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results