Pat Quaglietta, 80, passed away Thursday, June 9 while struggling to overcome serious medical conditions and complications
.
Pat was hospitalized for nearly one month in Astoria Hospital in his native Queens, New York. Pat first came to national attention in the 70’s as a fierce and determined representative of the Pennsylvania horsemen in their struggle for fairness and decency in contract negotiations with the track. Despite those difficult years for the horsemen’s champion, he eventually befriended the patriarch of the Rooney family, Art Rooney Sr. Pat continued active in horsemen’s affairs later on in New York when the Rooneys took over Yonkers Raceway.
Pat served on the USTA Board of Directors, as a membership director from District 8-A , the Standardbred Owners Association of New York, various committees of the SOA of NY as well as the Harness Horsemen’s International. He was recognized by the latter organization for his work on behalf of horsemen nationally with HHI’s highest honour, its Man of the Year Award.
Pat is survived by his lovely wife of 60 years, Margaret. Five children, Margaret, Anthony, Diana, Patrick and Richard as well as the 11 grandchildren he adored.
The family plans to hold a Memorial Service at a date to be announced. In the meantime, a condolence note or card can be sent to Margaret Schepperle, his daughter at 33 Southwood Drive, Old Bridge, NJ, 08857.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to family and friends of Pat Quaglietta.