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 March 5 at his home in East Windsor, N.J., weeks after his 67th birthday.
That Lederman 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 Lederman 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, Lederman 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.
Lederman 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 that Jackie Mason wasn't sure if he himself was indeed Jackie Mason.
The silver screen took notice, recruiting Lederman 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.
Lederman was predeceased by his wife, Jodi, and their daughter, Leslie. Lederman 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 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.
While Larry's services are private, those who desire to honor him might consider donating to the Christian Harness Horsemen's Association or a cancer- or hospice-related charity.
