Thomas D'Altrui Passes

Published: February 1, 2016 11:21 am EST

Thomas D'Altrui, the influential harness racing pioneer in the state of New Jersey, passed away on Friday, January 29. The devoted family man was 96.

D'Altrui served the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey as director for 34 years (Man of the Year, 1983), director of Harness Horse International for 34 years (Man of the Year, 2000) and director of the United States Trotting Association for 18 years. His lifelong love of harness racing forged the creation of DI Farms in Hillsborough, N.J.

He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Tom is survived by his wife of 26 years, Sandra (Koster); his son, Thomas (Cheryl); stepsons, Michael (Theresa), Steven (Kirk); grandchildren, Matthew, Jessica, Matthew, Adam; five great-grandchildren, and sister, Carmela Santaniello. He was predeceased by his wife of 41 years, Minnie (Danna), and their daughter, Marianne.

Visitation will be at the Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home of Livingston, 145 E. Mount Pleasant Ave., on Wednesday, February 3, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A funeral mass will take place on Thursday, February 4, at 10 a.m. at St. Philomena's Church, 386 S. Livingston Ave., Livingston. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, N.J.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The ARC of Somerset County, 141 S. Main St., Manville, N.J. 08835 or The Standardbred Retirement Foundation, P.O. Box 312, Perrineville, N.J. 08535.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Thomas D'Altrui.

(With files from the SBOANJ)

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