Antoinette (Toni) M. Nigito passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 22. She and her late husband, Paul J. Nigito Sr., founded Joie De Vie Farms in Jobstown, N.J., named after the first truly great horse they owned, Joie De Vie.
Toni’s involvement spanned 35 years and she owned many top horses often in partnership with the Antonacci family. Toni and Paul found tremendous joy being part owner of the great Moni Maker. The Nigitos were also partners with the Antonaccis, Bill Perretti, George Segal and Joe & JoAnn Thomson in purchasing and renovating the Red Mile.
After Paul Sr. passed away “Mrs. N” continued to race many horses but was most proud of the open pacing mare Walk On The Beach. She purchased “Walker” for $2,500 to keep the then-weanling filly from being sent to the New Holland, Penn. auction making her future uncertain. Mrs. Nigito’s investment proved fruitful with Walk On The Beach becoming the fastest and richest daughter of Beach Towel, earning $983,399.
She was also the proud owner of 2002 two-year-old Breeders Crown Champion Totally Western p,3,1:51.2 ($648,364). Among other horses she raced were two-time OSS Super Final Champion Fan Favourite 3,1:56.1 ($539,916) and her NYSS champion daughter Lola De Vie 4,1:53.4 ($409,523), NJSS champions So You De Vie 4,1:54.1 ($202,760) and Nordicdish 3,1:55 ($130,000).
In recent years her small broodmare band has produced current NYSS champion trotting filly Winndevie 3,1:54 ($524,182), International Trot contender Explosive De Vie ($426,961), Kentucky Filly Futurity division winner Oasis Dream 3,1:53.4 ($221,961) and Thor De Vie 1:50 ($230,552).
Nigito was a strong advocate for taking care of retired Standardbreds whose fate was often in doubt. Presently 28 Standardbreds have found their forever home at Joie De Vie Farm.
Besides her farm, Toni was sole proprietor of Nigito Realty, a real estate management company in River Edge, N.J., founded by her and Paul Sr. In 2010, Nigito was honored by the Meadowlands Regional Chamber of Commerce for achievement and contributions to the area’s business community. She was a member of St Paul the Apostle Church, Cub Scout Den Mother and delighted in being a member of the Pleasant Valley Singers who performed concerts and musicals.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Harness Horseman’s Association.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Antoinette Nigito.