Horseman John F. Bovi, 71, of Sherrill, New York, passed away on Sunday, February 21, at the Oneida Healthcare Center surrounded by his wife and loving family.

Bovi was born on April 25, 1944, in Rome, NY, the son of John and Elizabeth (Marchesino) Bovi. He was a graduate of Rome Free Academy and attended Austin Peay University on a football scholarship.

On August 18, 1984, John and Patricia (Yerashunas) were united in marriage in Oneida, NY.

Prior to his retirement, Bovi was a mason and a proud member of the Brick Layers and Allied Craftsman Union Local #2. For over 40 years Bovi owned, trained and drove harness race horses at Vernon Downs and other race tracks across New York. He was also an avid golfer and a member of Crystal Springs Golf Course in Vernon; a member of St. Helena's Church of Sherrill, the United States Trotting Association and the Harness Horse Association of CNY.

Bovi is survived by his wife, Patricia Bovi, of Sherrill; five children and their spouses, Dawn (John) Whittenmyer of Baldwinsville, Kevin (Kelly) Bovi of Chittenango, Sara (Chad) Hollander of Las Vegas, NV, Jennifer (Gary) Corby of Camillus and Jillian Bovi of Sherrill; grandchildren, Amanda, Alyssa and Addison Wittenmyer; his mother, Elizabeth Bovi of Ithaca; twin brother, Michael Bovi of Ithaca; in-laws and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Bovi's family would like to acknowledge with sincerest gratitude John's at-home caregiver, Richard Gyimah, as well as the administration and staff of Oneida Healthcare Center.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, February 24, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Malecki Funeral Home Inc., 464 Sherrill Rd., Sherrill. A Celebration of Bovi's life will be at a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday at noon, at St. Helena's Church, 210 Primo Ave., Sherrill, NY. Spring burial will be at St. Helena's Cemetery, Oneida.

Donations in Bovi's memory can be made to Oneida Healthcare Foundation. Online condolences may be sent to maleckifuneralhome.com.

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

(Harnessracing.com)