Carlo J. Lattinelli, affectionately known as ‘Frenchie,’ 80, of Todt Hill, S.I., passed away on Monday (Oct. 1) at Cornell Hospital.
He served his country by enlisting for the Korean War and co-founded and partnered in the revitalization of Barnes and Noble bookstores, helping to turn it into a global company. Later as an entrepreneur, he partnered in several successful New York City restaurants, notably, Sal Anthony's in Gramercy Park and SPQR in Little Italy.
He later became an avid harness horse breeder and owner and a discerning wine collector. He was deeply immersed in the harness game. He loved to bet almost as much as he loved to win. He invested in horses since the early 1980s and never lost the excitement he had for the game. He had nearly 200 horses over those years. Most notably, a vast amount of those horses were in partnership with Larry Dumain.
L Dees Lioness probably won the most money, but that was not why he was in the game. For him it was all its aspects from the action itself, the breeding and raising of one, to the ultimate – cashing a ticket on one of his own babies. He supported the game, a number of trainers over the years, and any and all who needed a helping hand. He was a gentleman with an infectious smile.
His most recent trainers included Jeff Gregory and Julie Miller, and just at the end of August, with his constant companion and friend (son Joseph) by his side, we all saw that big smile open up as Andy Miller won a NYSS event at Yonkers Raceway with his Amal Hall.
Lattinelli married the love of his life, Maryann Cafaro, and that love lasted 54 years. Mary Ann survives along with their three children, Carla, Cristina (Joseph) Laforte and Dr. Joseph (Lauren). Also surviving are his eight grandchildren, Michael Berteletti, Matthew Berteletti, Alyssa Berteletti, Joseph Laforte, Carlo Laforte, Mia Laforte, Emma and Luca.
He had a lust for life and was famous for saying, "Life isn't a dress rehearsal, you only get one go around." He told his doctors he had "no regrets and he had lived eight lives and fulfilled all his hopes and dreams for himself and his family.”
The industry lost a great supporter and those of us, and their numbers are legion, have lost a true friend with a big smile and an offering helping hand.
Visitation will be held Thursday (Oct. 4) from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Harmon Funeral Home, S.I. The Funeral Mass is Friday (Oct. 5) at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church, S.I. Burial is at Moravian Cemetery.
A staunch supporter of Calvary Hospital, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Hospital, 1740 Eastchester Rd., Bronx, NY 10461.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friend of Carlo Lattinelli.
(USTA)