It was a special night for the D’Antoni family Wednesday as one of their own was honored.
The Education Alliance, a West Virginia nonprofit devoted to better education in the state, paid tribute to 98-year-old Lewis Joseph D’Antoni and his family’s success at its annual dinner at the Charleston Marriott Town Center.
“It’s unbelievable. It’s so great,” said Lewis. “There’s so many people here and it’s hard for me to believe such things like this could happen to me.”
Lewis’ four children — Kathy, Dan, Mike and Mark — took part in the event honoring their father. Lewis said his family has always been a tight one.
“I don’t think I have ever met another family this close-knit,” said Lewis.
Lewis currently resides in the small town of Mullens, where he was the high school boy’s basketball coach for many years.
Lewis said he has many good memories from his years in Mullens and thinks very highly of his hometown.
“Mullens was an unbelievable town to grow up in and raise a family in,” he said.
During the dinner, guests took opportunity to talk with the family and ask questions about their family’s success built on learning. Mike D’Antoni was the only sibling unable to attend in person, though he joined the activities via Skype from California, where he was preparing to take over as the new coach for the Los Angeles Lakers. He and his brother Dan, who will serve as an assistant coach, were hired by the team Monday.
Lewis said he is proud of his two boys.
“It means so much to me and to the town of Mullens,” said Lewis, who called the night the climax of his life.