Llewellyn Watts III, 81, of Monroe, died Wednesday, June 25, at Centrastate Medical Center in Freehold.
Born in Orange, Mr. Watts grew up in Mt. Lakes. He also lived in New York City, Summit and Hightstown before moving to Rossmoor eight years ago. Mr. Watts was a graduate of Drew University and a member of the Drew Athletic Hall of Fame. He was a lieutenant in the United States Navy and served during World War II.
Mr. Watts was a pitcher for several professional baseball clubs including the old St. Louis Browns (now the Baltimore Orioles) and worked at the New York Mercantile Exchange for several years. Mr. Watts taught math, jazz and was a baseball coach at the Peddie School in Hightstown from 1972 to 1987. Most recently, he was an assistant coach with the baseball team at the Hun School in Princeton. He was also teaching a course on the history of jazz.
Mr. Watts was an author and wrote several books on baseball and jazz, including "Play Better Baseball" and "The Fine Art of Baseball." He wrote several manuals and many articles for the magazine, "Scholastic Coach." He was a frequent lecturer and clinician on baseball and jazz. He was the editorial director of the Babe Ruth Coaches Manual.
Mr. Watts is survived by his wife, Barbara Gould Watts; three daughters, Jennifer Watts, Julie Watts and Irene Jasionis; one sister, Elise Gebelt; a brother, Dr. Harvey Watts; and two grandchildren, Elena and Colin Wooley.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 5, at 11 a.m. at the Rossmoor Community Church, Village Mall, Monroe. Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Watts’ memory to Drew University, Madison, N.J. 07940 or to the Babe Ruth League, 1770 Brunswick Avenue, Trenton, N.J. 08640. Arrangements are under the direction of A.S. Cole Son & co., Cranbury, N.J.
