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SEAN LAVERY Obituary
The New York City Ballet family mourns the passing of Sean Lavery, the American ballet star who was invited by George Balanchine to join NYCB in 1977, becoming a Principal Dancer the following year. One of the most acclaimed dancers of his generation, Sean created leading roles in works by Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, and Peter Martins, in addition to performing a vast array of works in NYCB's extensive repertory. After a devastating medical condition cut short his career as a performer in 1986, Sean persevered and later returned to NYCB as a Teacher and Ballet Master. A beloved friend and colleague, Sean will be remembered for his prodigious talents, immense charm, and unique and irrepressible sense of humor. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his sisters Anne and Pat, brother Michael, and Sean's entire family.
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Memories and Condolences
for SEAN LAVERY
Sponsored by A loving friend..
Barbara Ann Cook
February 24, 2024
I have been thinking about Owen a lot recently. We were second cousins through his Flood grandfather and my McGuire grandmother. He and Judith Fugate (and his mother and sister Pat) attended my father's 80th birthday celebration for which my mother assembled a 80 years of life album which I have been looking at recently. Owen and Judith signed the guest page and appear in party photos.
Barbara Ann McGuire Cook
Angie Riggle
February 23, 2022
You will always be remembered, Sean!!
Elizabeth Ciabocchi
March 7, 2018
Sean made a very strong impression on me from the time I first met him when we were kids and neighbors. After he started dancing and eventually moved away, I got to see him perform just once--at the Central PA ballet when he returned to star in the Nutcracker many years ago. It was such a thrill to see him dance! To his family and friends, my deepest condolences for the loss of your beloved Sean.
Lisa Wishnick
March 7, 2018
Sean, we've been friends since the mid-80's. We've had so much fun and so many, many laughs along with Isabel Brown. I loved you both dearly and the time we spent together was very precious to me and I know to you as well. I miss you both so much. Hope you find her and continue with the laughs and the love for dance, for life, and for humanity. Sleep well, dear Sean.
Columbus Coleman, Jr.
March 6, 2018
He was a beautiful, talented and spectacular dancer; but most of all he was a kind and loving person. We will miss Owen, however, we will never forget his grace and his command of excellence and greatness on and off the stage. I offer my prayers to his lovely family and to all of his dear friends and fans for we have lost a true star. Nevertheless, we know that his star will continue to shine from afar. I offer warm condolences to all.
Terry Murphy
March 3, 2018
Seans mother Rose and my mother were first cousins. He brought such joy and energy to the New York City cultural world when we needed to be cheered up. He shined in the seventies and eighties. His presence was explosive and resonated with his grace and magnificent stately body line, a kind and giving person and a tribute to humanity. We shared some far to few precious moments together and he always paid attention to me and cared what I thought. He will be missed.
March 3, 2018
As a ballet student with him in San Francisco, I remember he would light up the room and make everyone smile. I am so sad he is gone. Deepest condolences.
Mary Forbes Nicoll
Patrick Hamilton
March 3, 2018
Sean Lavery: A true prince on and off the stage... not to mention great wit, fantastic cook, and a generous, loving and loyal friend to me for 30 years. Goodnight sweet prince. RIP.
Maureen Horrigan
March 2, 2018
The Earth has lost a bright star to the sky. Memories will sustain you. Rest well Owen!
Doris Benesch
March 2, 2018
RIP Sean Lavery
Barbara Ann Cook
March 2, 2018
Owen was a second cousin through my father and his mother's father. We were proud of him and enjoyed his company in the 1970-80s. Sad to see such a career and life cut short. Will there be a memorial service in NYC?
Laura Leivick
March 1, 2018
Right, let's not forget our great friend was a riot! No point in sanctifying the guy. Please suggest someplace we can send donations in his name/memory.
Colleen Neary
March 1, 2018
Dearest Sean I know you will keep everyone laughing in heaven also! Rest In Peace.
Sean was a big part of my life inside and outside of NYCB in the 70's and we had some great times! A special person and a beautiful dancer!
I send my loving thoughts to his family and my deepest condolences.
Jacqueline Maskey
March 1, 2018
A charming, talented grown- up as he was at the age of twelve when I first met him at the Thomas- Fallis studio in NYC. I mourn his loss, but am grateful he is now without pain and home at last.
Angie Riggle
March 1, 2018
RIP Sean!
Laura Leivick
March 1, 2018
To Sean's family and the company: Like so many others, I loved him and his work. Where can we make contributions in his name and memory?
Nigel Gevisser
March 1, 2018
God bless and Rest In Peace
March 1, 2018
Bon Voyage, dear man.
Mindy Aloff
March 1, 2018
Sean was also eloquent verbally. Earlier in this century, I was his interviewer for his oral history of his career, and it is filled with absorbing observations about dancing and teaching. Where the art is concerned, he was a gallant realist, and his loss is felt indeed.
Jeanne Bosse
March 1, 2018
Such deep sadness, but the beautiful memories of Sean's dancing remain. Of his eloquence and the joy he exuded on stage. Perhaps Sean and Karin von Aroldingen are performing the Emeralds pas de deux in Heaven... May he find peace.
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