Trot Insider has learned that longtime harness racing industry participant Guy Polillo of Brantford, Ont. has passed away after a long and valiant battle with cancer. He was in his 75th year.
Born into a farming family in southern Italy, Polillo immigrated to Canada in 1955 at the age of 13. He worked as a shoe shine boy in downtown Brantford, Ont., eventually buying the business and turning it into and operating as Guy's Shoe Shine through the early 1960s while also working at the Massey Ferguson factory. He eventually sold the shoe shine business and turned to sales in aluminum siding before co-founding Cutlass Aluminum. Polillo then refocused his efforts in the 1980s to his successful renovation firm Classic Home Improvement, eventually managed by his son Paul, a former professional hockey player.
During his time in Canada, Polillo was heavily involved with Standardbreds. A longtime breeder and owner, Polillo was involved with hundreds of horses over five decades after first buying into a Cole Tar yearling filly named Tarish, bred by Harry Rutherford, in the late 1960s. Polillo built up his breeding operation with his wife Carolyn on a 100-acre property in Brantford.
Polillo had idolized top European breeder Jean Pierre Dubois, who had success bringing North American maternal bloodlines to France, and dreamed of bringing an Italian influence to the genetics of the Standardbred breed in Ontario. In 2009, he purchased trotting stallion Cornaro Dasolo, one of Ontario's few studs with strong European bloodlines.
Devoted and loving husband to Carolyn (née Robertson) for 52 years, they began a love that started in 1955 and have been inseparable ever since. Cherished father to Peter (Maria), Paul (Marcia), and Anne (Scott). Dearly loved brother of Carmelina Boncoddo (Giovanni - predeceased), Tonina and Gennarino Lamacchia (predeceased), Anna and Manlio Alfano, and Franco and Maria Polillo. Loving Nonno to Guy, Christian, Alexander, Chiara, Sophia, and Sarah. Guy is survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins in Canada and Calabria, Italy.
Guy was a tireless worker who devoted himself to making a better life for his family. His passion for business, farming, horses, and the restoration of his ancestral home in Spezzano Piccolo, Italy was limitless. Heartfelt thanks to the VON, The Stedman Hospice, and CCAC for their compassion and care. A Memorial Visitation will be held at the Dwayne D. Budgell Funeral Home, 1105 Rest Acres Road, on Sunday June 26, 2016 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. In accordance with Guy's request, cremation has already taken place. Charitable donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to Brant Community Foundation-The Guy and Carolyn Polillo Fund for Programs and Activities for Children Affected by Cancer. For further detail, contact Joanne Lewis at 519-756-2499 or [email protected]
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Guy Polillo.
Lynn Jones here: I have known
Lynn Jones here: I have known Guy and Carolyn for over 25 years. I never visited their home, in all that time, that Guy didn't GIVE me something to take with me when I left!!
I had many great dinners (including fantastic wine, except that stuff Guy made himself!!) there with the crew of Christoforou, Smith, Wilson, Storfer and their families.
Guy always had a good word for me whenever we spoke. We spent plenty of time at horses sales trying to figure out which one of us got the worst deal.
They don't make them like Guy anymore. I will miss him and his automatic smiles greatly.
Carolyn -- thank you for all your hospitality over the years and rest assured that Guy is in a great place right now. Bless Guy and your family.
Lynn Jones
We knew Guy for over 40
We knew Guy for over 40 years, back in the Tarish days. What an example for a successful life, what a wonderful family. Besides being an astute business man he very quickly adapted his skills for success within the horse industry as an owner/breeder. Guy learned that (1) quantity is not the answer with horses and (2) don't overpay. He watched people like Jack McNiven and Harry Rutherford, and as a result his yearlings were raised, prepared and presented with every detail looked after. We had many visits through the years, Guy was thoughtful, inquisitive, and always had a story. Our condolences to the family... rest easy old friend.
Brian and Gay Webster
A true gentleman who will be
A true gentleman who will be very much missed. Deepest condolences to the whole family.
I will miss you my friend.
Heather & Chuck Reid
I met Guy thru my trainer
I met Guy thru my trainer down in the States. I'll never forget your smiles sir, you were and will always be a class act. You treated me like a son and I will always respect you for that... I'm sorry I didn't get to say good bye, but you are an angel now to protect the ones you love. God rest your soul sir, everyone that knows you will surely miss you. Much love and respect for you and your family... my deepest heart felt condolences to the ones you left behind. Riposa in pace.
Guy was a kind, generous, and
Guy was a kind, generous, and enduring friend. We will miss him greatly.
Very sad news. Guy was a real
Very sad news. Guy was a real character, and there were many spirited conversations between us, but at the end of the day he was always a true gentleman and a man of his word.
My condolences to his family.
R.I.P. my friend.