Standardbred horseman Dale W. Massey, of Berlin, MD, peacefully passed away on July 23 with his family by his side. He was 91.
Born October 18, 1928, at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, MD, he was the son of the late Elmer and Wilsie Massey. He was the husband of Connie Gardner Massey, with whom he celebrated 68 years of marriage. He was a 1945 graduate of Wicomico High School. After graduation, he proudly served in the United States Army for two years.
As a young adult, he owned and operated Massey Farm, a 1,000-acre beef cattle and Standardbred horse farm, with his parents. He came from a horse-oriented family. His uncle Roger Whittington groomed the famed Thoroughbred War Admiral. Dale grew up around horses and attended east coast Standardbred matinees regularly during his youth.
In 1954, Massey opened a public stable. For decades, he was a highly successful driver, trainer and breeder known for his expertise in training young trotters, and he was a leading driver at Ocean Downs for many years. Over the years, he raced many good horses and was especially fond of his homebred horses, breeding and training many Maryland state champions.
Massey’s stable campaigned at tracks all over the United States, and he was also invited to drive in horse races in England, France and Germany. Dale served as director of the United States Trotting Association for 15 years, representing the horsemen of Maryland, Delaware and Virginia and serving on the association’s executive committee. As a member of the Cloverleaf Standardbred Owners Association and the Maryland Standardbred Breeders Association, he was also instrumental in the founding of the Maryland Sire Stakes program.
Through the years, Massey was a role model and mentor to many and remained active in the sport. He always loved his work and enjoyed the people he met through racing. With an easy-going personality, he was known to always have a smile on his face.
Above all, was Massey’s unfailing love and devotion for his family. They all enjoyed raising and racing horses together as a family affair.
Dale was a member of the American Legion and the Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church.
Precious memories will forever be held by his wife, Connie; daughters, Sharon Long (Billy) and Cheryl Crank (Bobby); grandchildren, Morgan Monroe (Vance) and Joey Crank; sister, Louise Agnew Baker (Melvin); nephews, Philip Massey, John Agnew and Neil Massey; and nieces, Joan Meredith and Emily Waters.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Glen.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Dale Massey.
(USTA)