Stephen J. Ramagli

Stephen J. Ramagli, a cherished family man, renowned baseball coach, and custom carpenter, passed away on November 24, 2025, in Emerson, New Jersey. Born on February 7, 1947, in Hackensack, New Jersey, Steve lived a life defined by dedication, compassion, and unwavering loyalty to the people he loved. Emerson has truly lost one of its greatest hearts. His presence shaped generations, and his influence will live on far beyond the baseball diamond. He was a steady hand, a guiding voice, and a source of genuine goodness in a world that doesn’t produce many like him.

Steve devoted decades to the Emerson Youth Baseball Program, beginning as an Assistant Coach alongside Larry Ennis from 1978–1984 and continuing with Bob Carcich from 1985–2014. His love for the game and his players extended to North Jersey Thunder Club Baseball, where he helped develop countless young athletes with the same generosity, patience, and integrity that defined his life. Much of his coaching was volunteer work — freely given, never for recognition, always for the kids.

His commitment and impact earned him a well-deserved place in the Emerson High School Hall of Fame and the Bergen County Coaches Association Contributor Award. Over the years, Steve played a role in nine State Sectional Championships and four Group 1 State Championships, leaving a lasting imprint on every success. From 2018–2025, he continued shaping young athletes as an Assistant Coach at Hackensack High School, proudly coaching alongside his son, Nicholas.

Beyond the field, Steve found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved tending to his garden, growing tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and zucchini. One of his most cherished traditions was drying and frying his famous long-stem hot peppers — a yearly ritual friends eagerly looked forward to. He found peace and laughter on the golf course and on his own putting green, connecting with people just as naturally there as he did in the dugout. A lifelong drummer with a deep love of music, Steve could often be found drumming along to his favorite songs or lighting up the dance floor with his unmistakable rhythm.

Above all, Steve’s greatest accomplishment — the one he held closest to his heart — was his family. No championship or accolade ever meant more to him than being a devoted husband and father. He took immeasurable pride in his wife, Judy, whose steadfast partnership grounded his life, and in his children: his daughter Lindsay and son-in-law Michael, and his son Nicholas, whose character, happiness, and achievements he celebrated every day.

Steve had a rare gift for making people better simply by being himself. He lifted young players when they needed confidence most, believed in them before they believed in themselves, and treated everyone he met with patience and respect. His impact lives on through the thousands he coached, the friendships he nurtured, and the gratitude of all who were fortunate enough to know him. We celebrate the extraordinary life he lived and the lasting difference he made.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pasquale and Kathryn Ramagli, whose values, strength, and love shaped the man he became. Steve’s legacy lives on through his beloved wife Judy; his daughter Lindsay and son-in-law Michael; his son Nicholas; his brother William; cousins Cathy and Vinny; his nieces and nephews; and the countless friends, neighbors, and community members who loved him and were proud to call him family.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, from 2:00–4:00 PM and 6:00–9:00 PM at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ 07675.

In lieu of flowers, the Ramagli family kindly requests that donations be made to the Emerson High School Baseball Program and/or the Emerson Little League.

Please make checks payable to Emerson Parents for Athletes, with “Steve Ramagli” in the memo line:

Emerson High School

131 Main Street

Emerson, NJ 07630

Or online: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/honoring-coach-steve-ramagli-by-supporting-emerson-baseball-copy

And/Or

Emerson Little League

PO Box 228

Emerson, NJ, 07630

Or Venmo: @EmersonLL