New Jersey announcer Larry Lederman dies, age 67

Larry Lederman, a longtime announcer at New Jersey racetracks who was known for his humor and impressions, died Tuesday at age 67 after a long battle with brain cancer.

As noted by the U.S. Trotting Association, Lederman began working full-time as an announcer in the mid-1980s at Atlantic City Race Course. He later worked at Garden State Park and Freehold Raceway.

He was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in 2011 and reduced his workload in the ensuing years, according to the U.S. Trotting Association. But he still made occasional guest race-calling appearances at numerous tracks and remained popular in the sport.

“You’ve got to fight the fight; you don’t give up,” he said in a 2018 interview with the trotting association. “I’ve always said it’s better to have 16 in a blackjack game than 22 because once you’re out of the game, that’s it. You’ve got to stay in it.

Lederman was preceded in death by his wife, Jodi, and their daughter, Leslie. He is survived by his brother, Alan; son, Scott; and grandson, Cayden LoBianco, according to the report.

Services are private, but memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Harness Horsemen’s Association or a cancer- or hospice-related charity.