Tree Dedicated To Man Who Spent Life Giving Back To Community

CUTCHOGUE, NY — Under bright sunshine and blue skies, the community came together Tuesday not just to honor Mattituck High School girls lacrosse players at their Senior Day celebration — but also, to pay tribute to a man who spent his lifetime giving back.

The event, organized by Kait's Angels, was held at the Cutchogue West field on Depot Lane, to honor the late Walter Gatz, who "aided the school with his time, funding and advice," Darla Doorhy of Kait's Angels said.

Kait's Angels honored Gatz — father of Kait's Angels board of directors member Laurie Gatz Italia — with a tree planted in his memory.

The plaque beside the tree read: "In memory of Walter Gatz, in recognition of his enthusiasm for lacrosse and his generous support of youth sports. May his memory inspire all who play here to engage in healthy competition, practice good sportsmanship and have fun!"

Kait's Angels, an organization created to honor the memory of Mattituck's Kaitlyn Doorhy, who died when she was only 20 while away at college, gives back to those in need in the community through a series of events and other caring initiatives.

William Araneo, Kait's Angels president, remembered Kaitlyn, "a force," who leaves a long, rich legacy in her recognition of "the power of community." Describing the tragedy of her loss and the creation of Kait's Angels, he said, "From the darkness has come light and goodness."

(Courtesy Gatz family)

Describing Gatz, who was born in 1933, one of 13 children in a Riverhead farming family, he was a wrestling champion who also once had an offer to play professional baseball, Araneo said.

In 1957, Gatz married Marilyn, who attended Tuesday's dedication; the couple had four children, Jeff, Don, Peter and Laurie, as well as 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

The founder of Gatz Landscaping in Mattituck, Gatz was a man "whose work ethic was undeniable. He had no excuses and he believed anything is possible," Araneo said.

(Lisa Finn)

A hunter, Gatz worked to create the North Fork Preserve. Known for his philanthropic efforts and generous heart, he donated gym and weight room equipment and wrestling mats to Mercy High School and Mattituck High School; he was also instrumental in the creation of the field at Cutchogue West, where the lacrosse team plays so often. He was also a devoted coach who went the extra mile to make sure teams had all they needed.

"He was a hard worker," Gatz' daughter Laurie said. "He worked hard and he played hard. He just wanted all kids to have the opportunities he didn't have growing up."

When her father was passionate about something, he gave it 110%, she said.

Although he died a year and a half ago, Gatz said the loss is still achingly real. "We miss him every day." But, looking at the tree, the plaque, and the students playing on the field, she said, "He would have loved this."

(Lisa Finn)