Latest news: The Schuylkill Navy is working on Tributes at Stotesbury, according to Clete Graham:
Two eights, both named 'Matt Ledwith', one from La Salle and one from SJ Prep (and just christened two weeks ago with Matt on hand) will be set up in parking lost between Canoe Club and Gillin. Athletes will be invited to stop by and pay their tribute.
The La Salle Matt Ledwith will be rowed by Stotesbury alumni (this has been long planned), one guy from each decade, all of whom rowed at Stotesbury, starting with John Kieffer who rowed for West Catholic on the 1930's. Then a guy from the 40s, 50s, etc.
Services: Friends may visit from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the McIlvaine Funeral Home, 3711 Midvale Ave., Philadelphia, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday at St. Genevieve Roman Catholic Church, 1225 Bethlehem Pike, Flourtown. A Funeral Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to La Salle College High School (for the crew team), 8605 Cheltenham Ave., Wyndmoor, Pa. 19038.
See also:
---
Tom Mannle's original report:
I am sorry to report more sad news from Philadelphia; this from Tom Mannle of the USRowing Referee Commission by way of the Schuylkill Navy:
Colleagues:
It is my sad duty to report to you the death this evening of Matt Ledwith, of an apparent heart attack.
Matt held license number 206, and was an "official" official for more than 27 years, and probably for some time before that. He was a pillar of the Philadelphia rowing community, a long-standing member of the Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee, and the guiding spirit behind the Scholastic Rowing Association of America.
He was also, always, a lot of fun to be around. He will be greatly missed, not only for many contributions to the sport and his community, but also for his generosity of spirit. Our prayers and deepest condolences are with Matt and his family, and his many friends.
I will get you more information as it becomes available.
Tom
--
Chuck Alexander said of Matt: Matt was involved in just about every major rowing event here in Philly. Stotesbury, Dad Vail, PSRA, SRAA, PRS, Boathouse #4, LaSalle high school, LaSalle University. You name it he helped out with it or got it started or was heavily involved
---