by Frank Drucker, on behalf of the Lederman family
There can't possibly be another track announcer as unique as Larry Lederman.
Hell, there can't possibly be another human as unique as Larry Lederman.
Lawrence Brian Lederman died Mar. 5, at his home in East Windsor, New Jersey, weeks after his 67th birthday.
That Larry survived more than a dozen years with an inoperable brain tumor (winning that game of under/over) was a testament to his acerbic wit, unyielding faith, biting sense of humor and a shrewdness/stubbornness to realize the multitudes who loved him wanted him around (let's not forget his many medical friends).
A dear friend described Larry as 'a gentle and generous soul. His approach to the cancer treatment was to take it as far as he could, which is why he was able to sustain so long after the passing of his beloved wife and daughter.'
…and he brought pies to those who were taking care of him.
Born and raised in Manhattan, Larry caught the track bug early, even before sharing a stand-up microphone with some guy named Robin Williams.
He was a three-decade-plus Harness/Thoroughbred announcer extraordinaire at New Jersey's Atlantic City Race Course, Freehold Raceway and Garden State Park, plus an in-demand guest at more venues than this space permits.
His calls were clear, concise, comical and, above all, correct.
…then, there were the voices.
Larry interjected so many spot-on impressions, and dropped so many names into the course of a race, you'd swear it was a fire hazard having that many people in the booth.
His Jackie Mason was so good, Jackie Mason wasn't sure if he, himself was indeed Jackie Mason.
The silver screen took notice, recruiting Larry to be the off-camera track announcer in 1993's 'A Bronx Tale.'
There was commercial voice-over work as well, but it was his equine passion, and his compassion toward others, that made Larry Larry.
As was mentioned, Larry was predeceased by his wife, Jodi, and their daughter, Leslie. Larry is survived by his brother, Alan, son, Scott and grandson, Cayden LoBianco.
Listing his extended family, both in and out of racing (shout-outs to the Christian Harness Horsemen's Association and the Meadowlands) would take way too long.
Here's the irony…anyone who tries to be the next Larry Lederman would be nothing more than a poor imitation of someone who never did a poor imitation.
TDN's Bill Finley, for 40 years a friend of Lederman, said: “Not only was Larry a great and colorful announcer, he was maybe the nicest guy on the planet. He cared more about others than himself. As announcers go, there was no one else like him. He was so clever and so creative that he could have you laughing after listening to his call of a $5,000 claimer. I got to know him even better during the many years he was battling this terrible disease, which happened to concur with the loss of his wife and his daughter. He was truly dealt a horrible hand, but he stayed remarkably upbeat and optimistic through the entire ordeal. Cancer or not, he kept you laughing. This is a great loss and not just for horse racing but for mankind.”
While Larry's services are private, those who desire honoring him might consider a donation to the Christian Harness Horsemen's Association or a cancer- or hospice-related charity.
Remembering Larry Lederman
“He was an outstanding race caller,” said Dave Johnson, the longtime voice of the GI Kentucky Derby on ABC. “He had a unique sense of humor that he blended into his work. He was a very funny and decent guy. I had touched base with him through emails before he passed away on Tuesday and he was in a good mood. He's in a better place. 'It's such a shame.”
“Larry was a creative, passionate, skilled race caller and an even better friend,” Caton Bredar said in a tweet. “We got to spend time him during our Atlantic City days which were the best of times. Truly one of the good guys.”
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