George Napolitano Sr., 96, passed peacefully at his home on Saturday (Nov. 7) after enjoying a life with horses for three-quarters of a century.

At the age of 12 or 13, he, along with his father, Joseph, broke mustangs as wagon pulling horses used for the delivery of fruits and vegetables. Married at the age of 17, George soon thereafter served his country in World War II and, upon returning from active duty, resumed his love affair with the horse community, becoming a Standardbred trainer in the mid-1950s at Roosevelt Raceway.

The patriarch of one the most successful racing families in Florida became interested in owning racehorses in the late 1950s when he and wife, Carmela, bought Flying Scotchman at a Yonkers sale. He was a member of the Florida Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association and the United States Trotting Association.

He was inducted into the Florida Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association Hall of Fame in 2012.

George is preceded in death by his loving wife of 76 years, Carmela; and his only son, Joseph. He is survived by his four daughters, 15 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Services will be at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Church, 1400 S. State Road 7, North Lauderdale, FL 33068 at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday (Nov. 12).

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the friends and family of George Napolitano Sr.

(Florida Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association)