Deleston ‘Del’ Cote, 81, of Cream Ridge, N.J., died July 19, 2018, at his home with family close by.

Born in Limestone, Maine, he was a lifelong horseman who dedicated his life to harness racing. He was introduced to the sport by his father, Louis Cote, who was involved with Presque Isle racetrack.

Mr. Cote began his career in the Maine fair racing circuit at age 16. He graduated Caribou High School and attended Springfield College. He then worked for trainer Ken Russell in Lewiston, Maine. Having success, he was noticed by horseman Frank Safford. He moved on to a position as second trainer/driver to Frank Safford in Pinehurst, N.C., where he raced on the Grand Circuit. From there, he moved his wife and family to New Jersey to become the trainer of Jo Mar Stable, currently known as White Birch Farm.

With training success, he went on and opened up a public stable, Del Cote Stable, where he and longtime friend/owner, Henry Faragalli Jr., owned and raced horses for more than 44 years. He raced at Liberty Bell Park from its opening to its closing. He continued to train horses until his retirement in November 2017 at age 80.

Cote is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Greta; sons, Brice (Karen) and three children, Scott (Judy) and two children, and Del Jr. (Joelle) and four children; daughters, Beth Dekis and two children, Shannon (C. Sam) DePinto and two children, Jan and two children, and Megan (Patrick) Lachance and three children; and nine great-grandchildren.

His immediate family is still actively involved in the harness racing industry where sons, Brice and Scott, and sons-in-law, C. Sam DePinto and Patrick Lachance, currently work today.

Visitation for friends and family will be held on Tuesday (July 24) from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Peppler Funeral Home, 114 South Main St., Allentown, NJ. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday (July 25) and will begin at 10 a.m. at St. Johns Church, 1282 Yardville-Allentown Rd., Allentown, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can made to Standardbred Retirement Foundation, 353 Sweetmans Lane, Millstone Twp., NJ 08535.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Del Cote.

(with files from USTA)