Andrew L. ‘Andy’ Reese Jr., 87, for many years the starter at Vernon Downs, passed away on Sunday, February 2 at Olean General Hospital.
Born in Buffalo, NY, Reese was a World War II veteran, having served in the U.S. Army in the Cavalry Division. He was a highly successful salesman and retired from the New York State Racing and Wagering Board. His sons Gary and Todd have both served as racing officials, Gary at the Meadows and Todd at Tioga Downs.
In addition to his work in racing, Andy was instrumental in starting the Little Valley Midget Football team, was a member of the Little Valley American Legion, NRA, Ducks Unlimited and the USTA. He was also an avid outdoorsman.
In addition to his sons, Gary and Todd, Andy is survived by his wife of 65 years, Beulah (Robinson) Reese; children, Linda (Wayne) Dunkleman, Gwyn (Gregory) Parkhurst, Delvin, Shelly (Kenneth) Butcher, and Dane; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; brother, William (Grace); sisters, Verna (Paul) Hines, Rowena (Leonard) Wilson and Joyce Ferguson; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday (Feb. 4) at the Mentley Funeral Home Inc., 411 Rock City St., Little Valley. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday (Feb. 5) from the funeral home. Burial with Military honours will be in Little Valley Rural Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Little Valley Ambulance Service.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Andrew L. ‘Andy’ Reese Jr.
(Harnessracing.com)