Longtime horseman Carmen Cappotelli of Caledonia, New York passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at the age of 81.
Carmen Cappotelli was born on Feb. 22, 1943 in Batavia, New York. He was the son of Victor and Caroline (Yasso) Cappotelli. Carmen lived in Caledonia his entire life. In 1964, he married his next door neighbour, Patricia. Two years later, their daughter Lynn was born.
Carmen began a career in the drywall business but later found that his passion was being around horses. He then opened up a stable at the Caledonia Fairgrounds, where he started training, racing and breeding horses. He became a member of the United States Trotting Association and the Western New York Harness Horsemen Association. Carmen’s first race win was ironically, on April Fools’ Day 1969 with a horse named Will It. Throughout his career, a few of his memorable horses were Tidal, Boswell and Red Clay. Of these three horses, Tidal became an Open pacer and won the Wells Fargo Stakes at Vernon Downs; Boswell was a $100,000 trotter racing in the Opens at Batavia Downs and Buffalo Raceway; and Red Clay was the recipient of the Heart Of A Standardbred Award at Batavia Downs, winning the most races at the 2015 meet. In addition to racing in New York Sire Stakes, Carmen loved racing at the county fairs where he had multiple championship wins including Adadot, Ainodelac and Miss Sunny.
Aside from horse racing, he enjoyed cheering on the Buffalo Bills and the New York Yankees with his family. He was always ready to play a game of pool with anyone who was up for the challenge. Carmen’s pride and joy were his grandchildren, Jasmine and Tyler. He always looked forward to hearing about what they were up to!
Carmen was predeceased by parents Victor and Caroline Cappotelli; brothers Victor and Donald Cappotelli and sister Viola George.
He is survived by his wife Pat Cappotelli; daughter Lynn (Donald) Carpenter; brother Archie (Joan) Cappotelli; two grandchildren Jasmine (Zachary) Hart and Tyler Carpenter; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Friends may call on Thursday, June 6, from 4-7 p.m. at the Alhart Funeral Home, 3068 Main Steet, Caledonia. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, June 7, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at St. Columba Cemetery, Caledonia. Memorials may be made to Maryland-A Haven For Horses, 8132 West Bergen Road, LeRoy, NY 14482.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Carmen Cappotelli.