Dick Shutte was born in Paterson on August 29, 1942 and was called to heaven on July 16, 2023. He spent his entire life in his beloved community of Wanaque.As a standout athlete at Lakeland he excelled at basketball and baseball. After high school he received multiple invitations to try out for major league teams including the Philadelphia Phillies, the Milwaukee Braves, and Cincinnati Reds. He played both varsity basketball and baseball at his alma mater Montclair State College.

His 20 year baseball coaching career at Lakeland is legendary. He coached baseball teams to eleven separate conference championships between 1969 and 1989. Additionally, his 1974, 1976, 1981 baseball teams took home State Championships. Several of his former players were drafted and enjoyed major league careers. Numerous others followed in his footsteps and became coaches themselves.

As a physical education teacher, he shaped the lives of countless students over the course of more than 30 years. Additionally, as varsity baseball and cross-country coach, he was a mentor to hundreds of young athletes.

Under his guidance, his cross-country teams won the Passaic County Championship and the Group II State Championship in1969. He also guided his teams to Conference Division titles every year from 1981 through 1985. And in 1998, his team won what is referred to as the “triple crown:” the Conference, the County, and State titles.

Dick was a devoted parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Church for his entire life. He was a member of the Old Timer’s Athletic Association of Greater Paterson, Passaic County Coaches Association, the National Education Association, New Jersey Educational Association, and Passaic County Retired Educators Association.

Shutte Memorial Bench