Paul Vance (who was born Joseph Paul Florio on November 4, 1929), a world-renowned American songwriter, record producer and Standardbred harness racing owner, passed away Sunday, May 30 at the age of 93.
He passed away with his daughter, Paula Vance at his side.
Vance, along with co-writer Lee Pockriss, wrote hundreds of songs. His most successful songs were "Catch A Falling Star," "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini" and "Tracy." He wrote more than 300 songs during his long career.
As a harness racing owner, the United States Trotting Association lists Vance as owning or leasing 167 horses during his career. And he was listed as the breeder of 129 mares during that time period.
The best horse Vance owned was the top pacer Secret Service, a 27-time winner of $454,000 with a race record time trial at The Meadowlands in 1:53.2 back in 1981. Secret Service was trained by Vance’s son Joseph Vance. He son ran the stable for his father’s horses.
The last horse that Vance owned in partnership with Tom Haughton was Cathys Princess T, 5, 1:53.1F $123,875, who sadly was killed in the barn fire at Olympia Training Center (formerly South Florida Trotting Center) in Boynton Beach, Florida on March 16, 2016.
In a quote from her Facebook page on Tuesday, daughter Paula Vance said. “As sad as I am today, I have peace in knowing that in my Dad's last days and weeks of his life, he asked God to forgive him and said the sinners prayer with me more then once. His light went out yesterday but when I look up at the stars at night I will always remember to Catch a falling star and put it in my pocket and never let it fade away! RIP now Daddy, I know you and mommy are dancing to your songs in heaven right now with all of our loved ones in a circle around the two of you clapping as you dance the Lindy in each other’s arms forever.”
It has been reported that the service will be private.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Paul Vance.
(USTA)