Jack Boyd Piatt Sr., a prominent western Pennsylvania entrepreneur, friend of Harness Racing Hall of Famer Delvin Miller, and Standardbred owner and breeder for a period of time, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 25, surrounded by family, at the age of 92.
Piatt's son Jack and grandson Jack III have continued to race horses.
A native of Washington, Pa., Piatt was chairman of the board of Millcraft Industries, a company which he started in 1957 with roots in the manufacturing business. Through vision, hard work, and partnership, he built Millcraft from a small machine shop into a multifaceted company with interests in steel, mining, real estate, hospitality, banking, insurance and many other diverse industries.
In the late 1980s, reportedly following a drive with Delvin Miller, he came up with the development plan for Southpointe, an extremely successful 800-acre mixed-use development project located north in Cecil Township, Pa., north of The Meadows off of Interstate 79. Southpointe is the headquarters of the well-known drug company Mylan.
In 2005, Piatt turned his ideas and focus toward developing downtown Pittsburgh and became known as a visionary for the recreation of the city’s downtown.
Piatt also purchased Delvin Miller’s Meadow Lands Farm when Miller and his wife Mary Lib downsized. The farm’s main residence, barn and some acreage were later sold, but Piatt retained other acreage and built a large home where he continued to live until his passing.
During his years as a Standardbred owner and breeder, often with his sons Jack and Rod, Piatt’s horses often included the name 'Meadow' or were named after the athletic events that his daughter, Gina, participated in, resulting in the foals Discus Champ and Shot Putter.
Piatt is survived by his six children; daughters Rebecca (Robert) Selway, Gina Johnston; and sons Jack (Linnea), Rodney (Terrie), Lucas (Renee) and Marcus (Jaslynn); 17 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and the mother of his first four children, Thelma Jean Ritchie Piatt. He is predeceased by his second wife, Kathleen; brother, Clark Ray 'Bud' Piatt; and sister, Leila Rose Piatt.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, funeral arrangements are private and under the direction of the Warco-Falvo Funeral Home, Inc., Wilson at East Katherine Avenue, Washington, PA. As he would have wanted it, a celebration of life event will be planned for family and friends in 2021. With fireworks.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Jack Boyd Piatt Sr.
(Harnessracing.com)