Joseph ‘Joe’ Beszczynski Jr. Passes

Published: December 10, 2019 12:23 pm EST

Joseph ‘Joe’ Beszczynski Jr. of Darien Center, New York, passed away on November 29, 2019 at the age of 89 after a long illness.

Beszczynski was born in Buffalo, New York to the late Joseph and Anna (Krawczyk) Beszczynski.

Although he worked construction, he eventually got involved in harness racing and ended up training and driving horses for over 30 years. He competed at Batavia Downs and Vernon Downs for most of the year but would travel to Aurora Downs in the winter on the advice of his good friend Bob Altizer.

Beszczynski was first licensed to drive in 1962 and campaigned a stable of horses until 1993. During that time he amassed 154 wins and earned $316,747 in purses. His best year came in 1983 when he won 17 races. He raced horses of both gaits but one of his top horses was a trotter named St. Joesph, who was a 12-time winner during his career and was bred and owned by his wife Helen.

When Beszczynski retired from racing he worked at Skyline Campground which was near his home and also spent his time enjoying stock car racing.

Beszczynski is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Helen (Rustowicz); his children, Joe (Kate) Beszczynski III and Linda (David) Shoe; grandson, Joe (Janet) Beszczynski IV; and great grandchildren, James, Abigail, and Destiny; siblings, Adele (the late Dan) Tybor, Gene (Edwina) Beszczynski, Dan (the late Cecilia) Beszczynski; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Timothy and his brothers, Ray and Cy Beszczynski.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Joe Beszczynski Jr.

(Batavia Downs)

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