Longtime harness racing industry participant Paul A. Vacca of Norton, Mass., passed away on Nov. 5, 2024 at the age of 89.
Born in Brockton, Mass. in 1935, Mr. Vacca was the son of the late Anthony and Frances (Desmond) Vacca. He graduated from Brockton High School in 1953 and went on to serve in the United States Army.
Mr. Vacca returned to civilian life and worked in construction. But he also enjoyed raising and racing harness horses which would become a full-time occupation as he became deeply involved in harness racing throughout New England, New York and New Jersey.
Although Mr. Vacca accounted for 180 wins and just under $1 million in combined earnings when he trained and drove horses early in his career after first being licensed in 1966, he became more focused on owning and training rather than sitting in the sulky. As a result, he campaigned many horses in the Massachusetts Breeders Stakes over the years and was a part of that program’s resurgence over the last 10 years.
Some of Mr. Vacca’s more notable horses during his career include Bang Ah Uey (1:52.2, $243,748), Use Yah Blinkah (1:54.4, $203,650) and Roaring Kitty (1:51, $181,763).
Mr. Vacca was a member of the United States Trotting Association, a board member of the Standardbred Owners Association of New England, and a member of the Harness Horseman’s Association of New England.
Mr. Vacca is survived by his wife of 65 years, Rosalie (Ciampi) Vacca; his two daughters, Diana (Vacca) Call and husband John Call and Debra (Vacca) Hardy and partner Scott Santosuosso. His grandchildren, Nicole (Hardy) Nason and husband Steven; Andrew Hannon and wife Casey; Matthew Hardy and wife Brianna; Jennifer Garrett and husband Scott; and Katelynn Call; his brothers John Vacca, Anthony Vacca; eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother Philip Vacca.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Paul Vacca.