William C. Fidati, a longtime Philadelphia newspaper journalist and more recently racing publicist, passed away on Monday, June 27 at Cooper Medical Center in Camden
, New Jersey.
A lifelong resident of Florence, New Jersey, after graduation from Notre Dame University, Fidati began his newspaper career writing for the South Bend (Ind.) Tribune before returning to the Delaware Valley to work for the Philadelphia Daily News where he was a highly regarded City Hall reporter. He later joined the Philadelphia Bulletin as a sports writer soon become the daily newspaper’s Racing Writer.
Upon the rebuilding of burned down Garden State Park racetrack in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, a short distance from downtown Philadelphia, Fidati joined the International Thoroughbred Breeders (ITB) staff as a writer, in the early 1980s. Following the new racetrack’s first season in 1985, Fidati was named publicity director for both thoroughbred and harness racing until the racetrack closed after the 1996 season.
Fidati retired in 1997. Though acquiring many friends over the years, he was a very private person shunning recognition. He was a devoted to his family and was very philanthropic. Fidati was an avid reader and fan of sports. He enjoyed horse racing and was a strong New York Yankees enthusiast. He was a lifelong member of St. Clare's Church in Florence, New Jersey.
Fidati was son of the late Bernardo and Edith Conda Fidati and brother of the late Jennie Zappacosta. He is survived by a sister, Louise Grieve of Burlington Township, New Jersey, and three nieces, Donna Vivian (Donald) of Bordentown, New Jersey, Denise Paykos (Dana) of Roebling, New Jersey, and Dawn Zappacosta (John) of Vincentown, New Jersey and three great-nieces and a great-great-nephew. He also leaves an extended family in Australia, the Merilyn Chappel and Stuart Grieve families.
A viewing for relatives and friends will be held on Thursday, June 30, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Friday, at Dennison Funeral Home, 214 W. Front St., Florence. New Jersey. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Friday, in St. Mary's Catholic Church, 45 Crosswicks St., Bordertown, New Jersey, officiated by the Rev. Felix F. Venza. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Florence, New Jersey.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the National Center for Padre Pio, 111 Barto Road, Barto, PA 19504.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Bill Fidati.
(With files from Dover Downs)