Robert M. Baggitt Sr. of Allentown, New Jersey, a longtime horse owner and a member of the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey’s Board of Directors since 1985, passed away on Wednesday, October 1 at the age of 81.

Baggitt was on the owner, finance, pension and special events committees of the SBOANJ. For many years, he co-chaired the SBOANJ’s golf outing, which each year raised money for the horsemen’s benevolent fund.

It was through his wife of 54 years, Sandra, and her father, driver-trainer Larry Powers, that he was introduced to harness racing. His son, Bob Jr., and nephew, Jack Baggitt Jr., are both horsemen.

Baggitt joined the Navy and served on a destroyer from 1951 to 1956 and worked for New Jersey Bell Telephone for 37 years, starting as a lineman and retiring as a repair supervisor in 1991. For many years he was a school bus driver in Upper Freehold Township while his wife oversaw their 12-acre farm in Allentown, NJ, which is called O-No Acres.

Visiting will be held at the Higgins Memorial Home, 20 Center Street, Freehold on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at St. Rose of Lima Church, Freehold on Monday at 10 a.m. followed by interment at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 would be appreciated.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Robert Baggitt Sr.

(SBOANJ)