Longtime owner and harness racing supporter Betty (Rapone) Aquino passed away Friday, April 17. She was 77.
Her devotion to the sport remained in her heart even after the death of her son Patsy C. Rapone in 1996. She was so proud of him as he regained leading driver of Buffalo and Batavia for several years.
Aquino was owner of Grace Frost, leading trotter of Western New York in the "60's". She also owned such standardbreds as Kay All and Sheba Breeze and was the number one fan of Speed “Speedy” Pilot, who continues to race at Buffalo Raceway.
She is predeceased by son, Patsy C. Rapone, survived by sons, Louis (Carole) and Francis Rapone, daughter, Betty Lou (Tom) Buckley, grandchildren, Chris and Aaron Buckley and Jennifer Allums, three great grandchildren and soul mate Louis Rapone, Sr.
Calling hours are Tuesday, April 21 4-8 p.m. at the Alhart Funeral Home, Caledonia, NY. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, April 22 at 12 p.m. at St. Columbia Church, Caledonia.
Please join Standardbred Canada in passing along condolences to the family and friends of Betty Aquino.