Marist Graduate, Teacher Dies From COVID-19
A 30-year-old Marist graduate who went on to teach and coach died from coronavirus.
Ben Luderer of New Jersey died from COVID-19 on Monday, Buzzfeed reports. Luderer was a teacher and varsity baseball coach for the Cliffside Park school district.
He had no underlying health issues, according to his wife.
"Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to Mrs. Luderer, her family members, friends, and the entire Cliffside Park community. The Board of Education and the Administration want to extend our care and support to the Luderer family and to our community during this time," Cliffside Park Superintendent of Schools Michael J. Romagnino wrote in a letter to the community.
Luderer attended Marist College on a baseball scholarship. Marist won a MAAC championship in 2009, Luderer's freshman season.
"The Marist Baseball family lost a brother. The BallFoxes are hurting today. Ben Luderer I’ll always remember you for being the best teammate and making everyone laugh," former teammate Mike Orefice of Dutchess County wrote on Facebook. " When times got tough, you were always there for a witty joke to break the tension. RIP #16. Once a BallFox, always a BallFox. Fly high, bud. To any of my Marist Baseball family, reach out. I’m here for all of you. PEOPLE: this was a huge wake up call for me. Stay home and do whatever you can to be healthy and safe. This isn’t a joke!"
Prior to Marist, Luderer played four years of varsity baseball at Don Bosco Prep. In 2008, as a senior, he batted .500 for a team that was ranked first in the nation with a 33-0 record, according to his Marist bio. North Jersey Sports called the 2008 team the best New Jersey baseball team ever.