Trot Insider has learned that longtime horseman and standardbred trainer John Ciarpelli passed away on Saturday, July 20 at St. Peters Hospital in Hamilton, Ont. at the age of 71.

Ciarpelli will be missed by his wife Rita, family, friends and fellow horsemen. As per John's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no service. A private interment will take place at Assumption Cemetery in Mississauga.

John worked many years for Charalambos Christoforou, and when asked, Chris Christoforou Jr. recalled John's days there. "John taught me a lot about horses --- probably more than anyone did other than my Dad. He was a great guy and a great horseman, and this is really a sad day for me."

A memorial party will be held at Stephenson's Training Centre on Tuesday, July 23 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please come and share your memories of John.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of John Ciarpelli.