Kelly Pickering Obituary — Beloved Mattituck-Cutchogue Volleyball Coach and Educator Dies at 49
The Mattituck-Cutchogue school district and the wider North Fork community of Long Island are grieving the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Kelly Pickering, a dedicated educator, guidance counselor, and revered volleyball coach whose influence extended far beyond the court.
Kelly Pickering, affectionately known to students and players as “Pick,” passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the age of 49. Her death has been confirmed by school officials and trusted community sources. Over her more than ten-year tenure with the Mattituck-Cutchogue Union Free School District, Ms. Pickering profoundly shaped the lives of countless students through her dual roles as a coach and a student support professional.
Confirmed Death and Community Response
Residing in Center Moriches, New York, Ms. Pickering spent her career serving the Mattituck-Cutchogue school system. At this time, no medical details or circumstances surrounding her death have been released publicly. In accordance with professional obituary standards, this report provides only verified information and does not speculate regarding the cause of death.
The news of her passing has generated an outpouring of grief and heartfelt condolences across social media platforms and community channels, with students, parents, alumni, and colleagues sharing memories and expressions of respect for her profound influence.
Coaching Career and Athletic Leadership
Kelly Pickering served as the girls varsity volleyball coach at Mattituck High School, where she became a cornerstone of the program, mentoring young athletes with dedication and care. Over her decade-long tenure, she worked closely with setters, blockers, and developing players, emphasizing discipline, teamwork, self-confidence, and personal growth.
Beyond volleyball, Ms. Pickering also coached softball for several seasons, demonstrating her commitment to supporting student-athletes across multiple sports. Her leadership and coaching excellence were formally recognized in December 2025 when she was named League VII Coach of the Year, a testament to her competitive achievements and her esteemed reputation among her peers.
Educational Roles and Student Support
In addition to her athletic leadership, Ms. Pickering was a longtime guidance counselor at the Cutchogue East campus, helping students navigate academic challenges, personal development, and post-secondary planning. During the 2025–2026 school year, she also served as a part-time dean of students, expanding her role in supporting student welfare, school climate, and mentorship initiatives.
Shawn Petretti, Superintendent of Mattituck-Cutchogue, highlighted her long-standing dedication and described her as a trusted professional whose commitment to students went far beyond her official responsibilities. Colleagues noted her willingness to support students and families during challenging times, both academically and socially.
Tributes and Legacy
Following her passing, tributes appeared on the Mattituck High School Alumni Facebook page and the Mattituck Varsity Volleyball Instagram account. Messages emphasized her leadership, compassion, and ability to foster confidence and unity among her players. Students, alumni, and community members flooded posts with condolences and remembrances, reflecting the deep impact she had on those she mentored.
Ms. Pickering was known for her warmth, humor, and dedication to her students, earning admiration and affection from everyone she worked with. While widely respected professionally, her family has requested privacy, and no additional personal information has been released.
Funeral and Memorials
Funeral and memorial arrangements have not yet been announced. Community members are encouraged to rely on official updates from the school or family representatives.
Conclusion
Kelly Pickering, cherished volleyball coach, guidance counselor, and dean of students, passed away on February 15, 2026, at the age of 49. Her death represents a profound loss for the Mattituck-Cutchogue school community and the generations of students she inspired. Her legacy endures in the lives she touched, the athletes she mentored, and the confidence, teamwork, and resilience she instilled in all who had the privilege of knowing her.
The community extends deepest condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and all whose lives were enriched by Kelly Pickering’s extraordinary dedication and leadership.
