SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (AP) Ed Lewi, a longtime public relations executive with deep roots in horse racing, has died. He was 81.
The announcement was made Saturday by the New York Racing Association.
Lewi and his agency assisted the NYRA since the late 1970s. He also managed media relations for the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York.
Saratoga socialite, owner and breeder Marylou Whitney says ''he helped put Saratoga on the map.''
Lewi began his career as a sports writer for The Daily Gazette, and also worked for The Associated Press. During his 18 years with the Times Union (Albany, New York), he worked in marketing and advertising.
Lewi is survived by wife Maureen; sons Jim Lewi and Joe Lewi; daughters-in-law Lori and Melissa; and grandchildren Gwen, Melanie, Emma and Jacob.
Funeral arrangements were pending.
