Western New York horseman Kenneth L. Middleton, age 77, of Mount Morris, New York, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 12 at Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw, New York.

He was born the son of Kenneth and Mary (Rapone) Middleton on Sept. 4, 1944, in Caledonia, New York.

Middleton married Mary Ann Valentino on July 22, 1961, and the two then raised a family. Although he owned and operated his own restaurant for many years, Middleton also bred, owned and trained a stable of harness horses at his farm in Mount Morris, New York for decades. First licensed in 1966, Middleton competed dozens of horses during that time including Keystone OBrien, Keystone Gallant, Wildwood Wayne, Hot Temper and R Brother Richard.

Middleton loved spending time with his family and attended St. Patrick’s Church. He was a member of the Western New York Harness Horseman’s Association, an avid pool player and fan of the Buffalo Bills and New York Yankees.

Middleton is survived by his loving wife of more than 60 years Mary Ann, daughters Rosemary (Louis) Russo of Batavia, NY and Joanne Somers of Mt. Morris, N.Y., grandchildren Mike (Bobbi Jo) Bonefede and Joseph Layland both of Leicester, NY and Jerrett Laskett of Batavia, N.Y., great grandchildren Alexis, Parker, Lillian, Sophia, Faith, McKenna and Klayton, sister Pat (Carmen) Cappotelli of Caledonia, N.Y., and many nieces, nephews and dear and loving friends. He was predeceased by his daughter Mary Kenny Layland and sister Georgianna Dellas.

Memorial services were held for Mr. Middleton on Monday (Jan. 17), followed by interment at St. Patrick’s Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Kenneth Middleton.

(Batavia Downs)