The Rotterdam community is mourning the loss of Matt George, one of its most dedicated educators, coaches, and local historians.
He was a longtime history teacher, baseball coach, and Civil War reenactor, who passed away in his home last week at the age of 79.
Known for his generosity and devotion to youth education and community service, George left behind a legacy few could rival.
He spent over 30 years teaching history in the Draper and Mohonasen school districts, and even after his retirement in 1997, continued to volunteer his time to speak to students, share his knowledge, and remain deeply involved in historical education.
Dale Wade-Keszey, a fellow former middle school history teacher, said,
“His passion was impressive. He was still coming into classrooms long after retirement. That’s just who he was a born educator.”
Via Daily Gazette
Matt George Was A Teacher Who Changed Lives
For generations of students, “Mr. George” was a mentor, motivator, and lifelong supporter.
Zale Benton, a former student and now an accomplished coach in her own right, recalled his influence:
“He pushed me when I needed it, and he believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. Matt was at my graduation, my wedding, and the first to call when my team won states. He always encouraged me to stay the course.”
Via Daily Gazette
Another former student, George Seeger, remembered George’s unique connection with students during an era when such relationships were rare.
He recalled,
“He treated us as equals. That was refreshing and rare in the 1970s.”
Via Daily Gazette
George’s compassion extended beyond the classroom.
He quietly covered lunch costs for students in need, gave away a car to a student who needed one to get to work, and even offered shelter to a young person without a safe home.
“Matt is just a terrific individual,” said longtime friend and fellow educator Bill Thwaits. “He went out of his way for the kids.”
Matt George Was A Fantastic Baseball Coach
For over four decades, Matt George coached high school and summer league baseball, leaving an impact on players from Schalmont, Draper, Mohonasen, Duanesburg, and Voorheesville.
Wins and losses weren’t his priority as he focused more on building character, teaching fundamentals, and ensuring every player had a chance to play.
Fellow coach Bill Gold said,
“For Matt, it was never about wins and losses. It was about teaching the game and teaching life.”
Via Daily Gazette
He often paid out of pocket, so every player had a uniform, and he even continued to coach into his 70s.
His final game as head coach came in 2017, at the age of 72, when his team won a championship in the Eastern New York Travel Tournament.
George had coached 1,004 games over his storied career.
At that time, George said,
“My heart would love to continue to coach, but I’m 72 now. It’s harder for me to do it.”
Via Daily Gazette
He may have stepped back from head coaching, but he remained active in baseball, serving as an assistant coach and working with the Schenectady Ole Timers Baseball Club (SOTBC) till the end.
Every year, he suited up in his baseball pants to help run youth camps and never missed a breakfast meeting unless it was to attend a Civil War event.
Matt George is survived by his sister, who lives in Florida.
No services are planned, but his memory lives on through the countless students, athletes, and friends he impacted over the decades.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Matt George was an active member and former president of the Capital District Civil War Round Table (CDCWRT), earning a rare lifetime membership for his years of commitment.
- He regularly gave presentations to historical societies and traveled the country to visit battlefields, sometimes reenacting scenes solo if no one else showed up.
