Anthony “Tony” Abbatiello, a United States Trotting Association director for 25 years and chairman of the board from 1997 to 2003, died Oct. 19, 2017, at his home in Colts Neck, N.J., after complications from heart failure. He was 89. Abbatiello, the son of Italian immigrants, started in the sport by acquiring 457 acres in what is now known as Colts Neck, where he built a home, a training track and paddocks for his pacers and trotters.

He had returned from battle in Korea, where he rose to the rank of captain, winning numerous battlefield commendations including the Combat Infantry Badge, Silver Star, Bronze Star with Valor, two Purple Hearts, Presidential Unit Citation, Korean Campaign Ribbon with four Battle Stars, and the Korean Service Medal.