It has been announced that Standardbred racehorse owner and racing administrator Rudy Evangelista has passed away on July 16, 2020 at the age of 86.

Evangelista, who was born on April 19, 1934, laboured as a union representative for many years and got into the horse business as an owner with first Norman and then Jeffrey Dauplaise.

Many, many years ago, Norman knew the SOA of NY was looking for a field representative of its own and recommended as a perfect fit his owner who was a local resident. Evangelista not only did the job, but exceeded the original expectations that the SOA of NY had for him. Evangelista, along with Mike Santa Maria, Al Pinsi, Vincent Aurrigema and John Brennan, have all served the SOA of NY’s members admirably.

Evangelista had moved away and resettled into a well deserved retirement in Toms River, NJ, prior to his passing. Rudy’s wife, Jeanette, predeceased him in 2015.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a funeral will take place Wednesday July 29, 2020 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Toms River, NJ.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Rudy Evangelista.

(With files from the SOA of NY)