Harry T. Mangurian, Jr.
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| Harry T. Mangurian, Jr. | |
| Born | October 26, 1926 Rochester, New York, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Businessman: Retail furniture Banking Real Estate Development Sports teams owner Racehorse owner/breeder |
Harry T. Mangurian, Jr. (born October 1, 1926 in Rochester, New York) is a veteran of World War II, an American businessman, a former owner of the Boston Celtics basketball team, a Thoroughbred racehorse owner/breeder, and a philanthropist.
Following the outbreak of World War II, as soon as he reached the legal age Mangurian enlisted in the United States Navy. He served in the Pacific Theater of Operations 1943-1946. Following his discharge, Mangurian returned home to work in the family's retail furniture business which he would build into a national chain. Following an IPO he eventually merged the business with General Portland cement company. He also acquired First National Bank of Rochester, serving as chairman of the Board of Directors.
Taking up residence in Florida, in 1969 he purchased the jet charter company, Southeastern Jet Corporation, a business he operated for more than thirty years. His Drexel Investments, a real estate construction and leasing firm, is based in Fort Lauderdale.
[edit] Sports Teams Ownership
In 1977, Mangurian became a partner in the Buffalo Braves of the National Basketball Association (NBA). At the end of the 1978 season he and his partner negotiated a franchise swap of the Braves team for the Boston Celtics. After one season, Mangurian bought out his partner and as the franchise's owner saw the Celtics sign stars Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish. In the 1980-81 Boston Celtics season, his team won the NBA Championship.
Harry Mangurian also became involved with the North American Soccer League (NASL) as part of the ownership of the Memphis Rogues and Tampa Bay Rowdies.
[edit] Thoroughbred horse racing
After becoming involved in horse racing in 1966, in 1970 he acquired the former Tartan Farm in Ocala. Renamed Mockingbird Farm, he oversaw its development into a major Thoroughbred breeding and racing operation. He notably raced two-time Eclipse Award winner, Desert Vixen. In 1979, the filly was inducted in the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Mangurian also notably owned Valid Appeal who went on from a career in racing to become a successful sire at stud in Florida.
Harry Mangurian is a member of The Jockey Club, the Thoroughbred Club of America, Inc., and served on the Board of Directors of the Breeders' Cup. He also served on the board of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association (F.T.B.O.A.) for thirty years and founded the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company. Mangurian bred 1992 Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner, Gilded Time and was named 1988 and 2000 Breeder of the Year by the Thoroughbred Owners' and Breeders' Association
In 1995, Harry Mangurian was inducted in the Calder Race Course Hall of Fame. For his service to the American Thoroughbred racing industry, in 2002 he received the national Eclipse Award of Merit.In his mid seventies, Mangurian cut back on his racing activities. In 2000, he sold Mockingbird Farm (now Winding Oaks Farm) and dispersed virtually all of his breeding stock.
In 1999, Harry Mangurian established a private foundation for philanthropic purposes. After the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, his initial million dollar donation to the "New York Heroes Fund" helped inspire fellow horsemen such as Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to contribute millions to that cause.
