Palisades Park, Leonia Little League President Memorialized On Opening Day

PALISADES PARK, N.J. — There was hardly a dry eye around when a new outfield banner memorializing former Palisades Park/Leonia (PPL) Little League President Raul Gonzalez was unveiled during Opening Day ceremonies at Overpeck County Park on Saturday.

Nikolas Gonzalez stands at the banner memorializing his father.
Photo Credit: *Matt Speiser*

Raul Gonzalez with his family.
Photo Credit: *GoFundMe*

Palisades Park/Leonia Little League opening day.
Photo Credit: *Matt Speiser*

L to R: Andrew Mulato, Matthew Mulato, Edwan Blanco, Marta Elena Gonzalez, Marta Gonzalez, Nikolas Gonzalez, Julian Gonzalez, Gabriel Gonzalez, Katia Gonzalez, Marilyn Mulato.
Photo Credit: *Matt Speiser*

Palisades Park Mayor James Rotundo and Leonia Mayor Judah Ziegler throw out the first pitch to Nikolas and Julian Gonzalez.
Photo Credit: *Matt Speiser*

Players pay their respects to Raul Gonzalez.
Photo Credit: *Matt Speiser*

Players and coaches pay their respects to Raul Gonzalez.
Photo Credit: *Matt Speiser*

The banner in the outfield at PPL Little League Field honoring Raul Gonzalez.
Photo Credit: *Matt Speiser*

Matt Speiser

04/23/2016 3:28 p.m.

The Leonia father was 41 when he died on March 12. He left behind a wife, Katia, and three sons, Julian, Niko and Gabriel. — all of whom attended Saturday's ceremony.

"Raul Gonzalez meant everything to our PPL family, and we meant everything to him" close friend Marilyn Mulato told the crowd of players and coaches gathered at the PPL Little League field. "He will forever be remembered as our angel in the outfield."

Following the ceremony, dozens of players and coaches gathered at the banner to pay their respects to Gonzalez.

"It was very emotional but very touching to see what an impact my husband had," Katia told Daily Voice.

Scroll through photos from the event above.

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