Springfield, Mass. – September 5, 2025 – Springfield College has learned that former student-athlete, coach and athletic administrator Ray Gilbert '63 G '68 passed away on August 20, 2025 at the age of 85. 

"The Springfield College family is deeply saddened by the passing of Ray Gilbert. Ray was a true embodiment of the values that define our institution," said Director of Athletics Dr. Craig Poisson. "His dedication to our student-athletes, his support of our programs, and his passion for the Springfield College mission left an indelible mark on our campus and in the lives of so many."

A gifted athlete, he played varsity basketball in high school and at Springfield College, receiving a bachelor's degree in Physical Education in 1963. After earning his master's degree in Athletic Administration in 1968, he was an assistant professor of physical education and the assistant men's varsity basketball coach alongside his mentor and dear friend, head coach Ed Bilik. In 1978 he became Springfield College's Assistant Director of Athletics under Dr. Ed Steitz. He also coached men's and women's varsity golf and served on the faculty.

In addition to his role at Springfield, Gilbert was involved with the inaugural Tip-Off Classic college basketball tournament ('83-'85). In 1987, he became the Director of Physical Education and Athletics at WPI. Ray was a founding member of the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC), president of the New England College Athletic Conference from 1993-94 and president of the NEWMAC from 1997-99.

Gilbert was active in the Springfield College alumni community, attending reunions, posting on the Facebook page, and serving on the Reunion Committee. He even helped arrange a 50th anniversary commemoration of Springfield College men's basketball's legendary 1971 victory over a UMass team that featured future NBA superstar and Hall of Famer Julius Erving with Gilbert serving as an assistant coach during that game.

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