Gordon LeMatty

GORDON R. LeMATTY

The Coach. The Legend.

Gordon passed away peacefully at his home in Union, New Jersey, on July 18, 2025. He was 92 years old.

Born on May 15, 1933, in Newark, New Jersey, Gordon was the son of Irene and Charles LeMatty, step father Al Arensman. He attended Madison Avenue Elementary and Junior High School. He went on to Weequahic High School, transferring to Irvington High School in his sophomore year. Graduated from Upsala College in East Orange NJ.

After graduation, he served two years in the United States Navy. He pursued his education at Seton Hall University and earned a master’s degree in Chemical health counseling and administration.

Gordon dedicated 33 years of his life to Union High School, where he taught history and coached baseball, building one of New Jersey’s most respected athletic programs. In 1991, he held the record for the most coaching wins in New Jersey with 641 victories, an incredible .703 winning percentage, and never had losing season.

His achievements on the field included:

• 2 Greater Newark Tournament Championships

• 9 State Championships

• 7 County Championships

• 19 Conference Championships

• 5× Coach of the Year

One season he had two players go to the major league, Al Santorini and Elliott Maddox.

He has also had a lot of other players go to the major leagues as well.

2009 Union dedicated the baseball field in his honor. Now it's known as Gordon R. LeMatty Field.

My mom Ruth wanted the R in the name. She often referred to it as ,"the field that Ruth built!"

His favorite baseball team was the St. Louis Cardinals and his favorite player was Stan Musial. That's the reason my dad wore # 6. They both wore #6.

Beyond the diamond, Gordon changed lives through education and mentorship. In 1981, he founded the first chemical health and intervention program at Union High School, pioneering programs that were later adopted in schools across the country. His legacy wasn’t just about wins—it was about guiding people toward better futures.

In 1954, Gordon married the love of his life, Ruth Curley, on a national television show know as the show "Bride and Groom Show" in New York City. They shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and commitment, raising a family rooted in compassion, humor, and resilience.

After retiring from coaching, Gordon worked for Continental Airlines (formerly Czech Air) as a customer service representative for ten years. Even after leaving the baseball field, he continued coaching: first his daughter’s softball games, then playing softball himself in 50-60-and-over leagues—proving that legends never truly retire.

Gordon is survived by his daughter, Denise LeMatty, grandchildren Christopher and Tyler LeMatty, and great-grandchildren Odaxis Gordon and Eloise Sophia LeMatty. He also leaves behind his cousins: Milan Kubik, Gary Huska, Amy and husband Peter Norris, Marc, Debbie and Bob Slifer, and Jeannie and Jerry Coviello, & many other cousins.

He is now reunited in heaven with his beloved wife, Ruth LeMatty, his sons Scott and Marc LeMatty, and his grandson Calvin LeMatty.

Friends and family are invited to gather for a visitation on Friday from 5 to 9 pm at the Galante Funeral Home, 2800 Morris Avenue, Union.

There will be visitation on Saturday morning from 11:30 -12:30.

The funeral procession will stop at the Gordon R. LeMatty Field, where there will be a bagpiper performing a rendition of Amazing Grace. Interment will follow at Hollywood Memorial Park in Union.

In lieu of flowers, the family is establishing the Gordon R. LeMatty Baseball Fund, to support future baseball athletes who share his love for the game and for life.

Checks can be made out to Union High School Athletic Association

In the memo of the check Gordon R. LeMatty Memorial Scholarship

Union High School Athletic Association

2350 North Third Street

Union, NJ 07083