Wayland-Weston Crew

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of a cherished member of the extended Wayland-Weston Crew family, Gary Piantedosi.

Gary was more than a friend to our community—he was an accomplished coach, Olympian, craftsman, mentor, and leader whose impact reached far beyond the boathouse. Following a courageous 13-month battle with cancer, Gary leaves behind a legacy of dedication, generosity, and inspiration.

Known for his larger-than-life presence, booming laugh, and unwavering commitment to developing not only exceptional athletes but exceptional people, Gary touched countless lives throughout the rowing community. His passion for the sport was matched only by the care he showed for every athlete, colleague, and friend fortunate enough to know him.

We are grateful for the memories, lessons, and spirit he shared with all of us. As Gary paddles beyond the horizon, we remain in his wake—guided by the example of a life well-lived and a course well-rowed.

Our thoughts are with Gary’s family, friends, athletes, and all those mourning this tremendous loss.

🚣‍♂️ Rest easy, Gary. Your legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Hearty congratulations from our Wayland Boosters Association friends!

We're saddened to report the passing last night of Gary Piantedosi, Wayand-Weston Crew friend, Bromfield Acton-Boxborough Boys Varsity coach, U.S. Olympic and National Team oarsman, M.I.T. Rowing alumnus, designer and meticulous craftsman of fine rowing equipment and other products, following a 13-month battle with cancer. Gary and his family appreciate the outpouring of support during his illness from his friends and the wider rowing community.

Gary was a larger-than-life presence, perpetually mirthful with a commanding voice and hearty laugh. As a coach of rowing, his knowledge of the sport was exceeded only by his inspirational leadership and deep caring for his student-athletes and their development as well-rounded individuals and as dedicated contributors to a team. All who came within his orbit recognized our good fortune. Richer for knowing him and today poorer, as is the sport of rowing. As he paddles beyond the horizon, we remain in his wake, inspired by his well-rowed course.

We'll share any news about memorial arrangements when available. Our Wayland-Weston Crew customary TBT is on hiatus this week.

Enjoy yesterday's IRA Championship Grand Final in the Men's Lightweight Eights. Observing top crews is an excellent way to improve our own rowing!

Men's Lightweight Rowing: IRA National Championship Day Three (May 31, 2026) Crimson win 12th IRA National Championship in program history.

Enjoy Row2k's extensive coverage of the 123rd Intercollegiate Rowing Association National Championship regatta underway through tomorrow to decide top crews among Heavyweight Men, Lightweight Men, and Lightweight Women!

https://www.row2k.com/ira/features/2026/2034/ira-friday-no-easy-races/

TBT - In this week's edition of our Boathouse 20th Anniversary celebration, our boathouse is looking like--well, a boathouse. Colors of roof and walls were carefully selected to blend into the landscape. Work remains, but the finish line is in sight!

And that’s a wrap on an incredible year! 🚣‍♂️✨

Last night’s banquet was a beautiful celebration filled with so much love, gratitude, and reflection. Looking back on the countless rainy/windy afternoons, grueling ergs, and fierce races, we could not be prouder of the hard work and dedication every single student-athlete put into this spring season and the entire year.

Next stop: Nationals! 🏆 To our crews heading to the big stage, the whole Dub Dub family is behind you. You have put in the miles and the sweat—now it’s time to let it fly. Bring home that hardware! 🥇💪

Finally, we want to wish a bittersweet farewell to our amazing seniors as they head off to college. Thank you for your unmatched leadership, your endless enthusiasm, and for leaving this program better than you found it. You will be deeply missed, but you will always have a home here. ️

Once a member of Dub Dub, always a member. ♥️🧡

Thank you to our athletes, coaches, and parents for making this year so special. See you on the water!

NationalsBound CrewLife Grateful

TBT - In this week's episode of our Boathouse 20th Anniversary commemoration, we see our beautifully-finished concrete floor, the culmination of costly pumping and installation work. All thanks to Gary French, dad of team members Maureen '07 (Pennsylvania '11) and Diane '08 (Princeton '12), who said, "Gravel floor? No way. Wayland-Weston Crew is going to have a proper floor." Gary promptly made a 50% challenge gift toward materials and labor that was quickly matched by donations from additional generous parents. The rest, as they say, is Wayland-Weston Crew history that we celebrate and build upon every day!

Congratulations to Wayland-Weston Crew family and alums Dan '08, Genna '11, and Carly '13!

Historic Wayland Family Business Celebrates 150 Years Russell's Garden Center has spanned five generations of one family since 1876.