Trot Insider has learned that longtime harness racing industry participant Carolyn Polillo of Brantford, Ont. has passed away at the age of 74.
Carolyn Polillo (née Robertson) met Guy Polillo in 1955, the year he immigrated to Canada. Together, the two operated a 100-acre breeding farm in Brantford, which they opened in the late 1960s, and owned many horses. The Polillos fulfilled a dream in 2009 of bringing European blood to the Ontario breeding industry when Guy purchased trotting stallion Cornaro Dasolo, who earned nearly $200,000 campaigning in Italy.
After Guy's passing in 2016, Carolyn continued on in the harness racing and enjoyed success in 2020 with GP Dreamin, an Ontario Sires Stakes Gold winner that's the fastest offspring from the Polillo's Italian stallion.
Predeceased by her beloved husband, Guy Polillo (2016), who took a part of her soul that she was never able to fill when he left that day. Cherished mother to Peter (Maria), Paul (Marcia), and Anne (Scott). Loving Nanna to Guy, Christian, Alexander, Chiara, Sophia, and Sarah. Much loved sister of Ron Robertson (Mildred). Predeceased by her brothers Wayne Robertson and Gary Robertson. Sister-in-law of Anna and Manlio Alfano, Franco and Maria Polillo, the late Carmelina Boncoddo (the late Giovanni) and the late Tonina Lamacchia (the late Gennarino). Carolyn is survived by loving nieces, nephews, extended family in both Canada and Italy and many dear friends.
With the coronavirus pandemic, the family of Carolyn Polillo will be having a private funeral to honour her life. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Dwayne D. Budgell Funeral Home. In Carolyn's memory charitable donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to Brant Community Foundation - The Guy and Carolyn Polillo Fund for Programs and Activities for Children Affected by Cancer.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the friends and family of Carolyn Polillo.