Carmelo J. Sabatino, a retired senior executive with Delaware North Co. and former general manager of Batavia Downs, passed away on Sunday (January 10) in Buffalo Veterans Affairs Medical Center. He was 95.
Born in Buffalo, Sabatino was a graduate of Kenmore High School and the University of Buffalo, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Sabatino served in the army during World War II and was stationed in the south pacific.
Upon returning home, he married the former Josephine Marino in 1946. That same year, he joined the Delaware North Co., which he helped to build under the direction of L.M. Jacobs. Following his retirement from the company in 1976, Sabatino joined the management staff at Batavia Downs, where he continued to work until 1999.
Sabatino held a number of positions during his tenure at Batavia Downs including general manager in the early 1980s, and then a variety of executive capacities after that. Near the end of his career there, he was in charge of mostly special projects.
He travelled extensively during his term with both Delaware North and Batavia Downs and met several celebrities.
Even after his last retirement, Sabatino continued to help manage a private family business.
"Mr. Sabatino was always a well-dressed and reserved man, yet certainly was capable of getting the job done,” said Todd Haight, general manager / director of live racing at Batavia Downs. “He was at Batavia Downs for two of the tracks biggest races, 1980 Niatross and 1988 Breeders Crown Armbro Flori and helped to ensure those marquee nights went off without a hitch. He was all business, all the time and garnered the respect of everyone who worked with and for him."
Sabatino is survived by a daughter, Carolyn Sabatino Liarakos; two sons, Thomas C. and David G., and three grandchildren. Sabatino was predeceased by his wife, who passed away in February 2007.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Carmelo Sabatino.
(Batavia Downs)