It is with deep sadness that we mark the passing of former Boston Celtics player Ronny Watts and honor his exemplary life and legacy. Through his life, people of all ages, and from all stations in life, were impacted by his compassion, touched by his kindness and amazed by his grit and determination. Besides his never-quit mindset, he was known for his fun and engaging personality, generosity, and huge heart.

Playing basketball as a high-schooler in Chevy Chase, Maryland he was noticed and encouraged by the famed Celtics Coach, Red Auerbach. He won a basketball scholarship to Wake Forest, where he set rebounding records that stood for decades, and led his team to ACC victories. After college, he was drafted by the Boston Celtics, fulfilling a life-long dream. As a result of his teamwork, and hard work, he earned great respect from his teammates (Sports Illustrated nicknamed him “Bruiser Watts”) and he created many lifelong friendships, including with MENTOR founding board member, Bill Russell. The two even appeared in several award-winning TV commercials for AT&T talking about their friendship.

He co-founded the Fairfax County Public School Education Foundation, raising funds for the Thomas Jefferson School for Science and Technology, served as board member for the Special Olympics, and founded the DC Urban Coalition, organizing summer basketball tournaments in DC. He also was the color announcer for the Washington Bullets, Maryland Terrapins, and Georgetown Hoyas and in 1994 he was elected to the Greater Washington Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. He and his wife, Roxanne, created an award-winning real estate business in the Reston area.

“We decided to honor my dad’s legacy by asking for donations to MENTOR because helping the next generation was always a priority for him, and because MENTOR founding board member, Bill Russell, was one of his closest lifelong friends.  My dad ran his own youth basketball camp from 1970-1975 (his old teammate John Thompson was also one of the camp coaches).  A few of those kids became lifelong friends with my dad and at least one started his own sports camp.  My dad also co-founded the DC Urban Coalition, which set up basketball tournaments for inner city kids in Washington DC.  One of his favorite quotes was “Catch me a fish and I’ll eat for a day.  Teach me to fish and I’ll eat for a lifetime”. – Trent and Russ Watts

Ronny not only experienced the value of mentorship but practiced it in his daily life. Please help to continue his legacy of giving back by making a donation to MENTOR in his memory.