Barbara Samberg dies

Barbara Samberg, 71, the longtime president and CEO of Batavia Downs, died Saturday, March 4, in Boca Raton, Fla., after an illness.



Until her retirement in 1998, Samberg had been a prominent member of the harness racing community. Her father, Pat Provenzano, was a founding member of Batavia Downs in 1941, which today has the distinction of being the oldest and longest running harness racetrack in New York State.



Involved in many aspects of the sport, Mrs. Samberg, along with her sister, Donna Warner, took charge of the racing operations at Batavia Downs upon their father's passing in 1977.



Like her dad, Mrs. Samberg was also a firector of the United States Trotting Association. Also, for many years Mrs. Samberg served on the executive committee of Harness Tracks of America (HTA) and was a director of the Harness Horse Breeders of New York State.



Always gracious when dealing with the media, Mrs. Samberg was extremely proud when she was elected an honorary member of the U.S. Harness Writers Association in 1992.



After retiring in 1998 Mrs. Samberg spent her remaining years enjoying her family, renewing old acquaintances and pursuing her life-long hobby of doll collecting and promoting doll and teddy bear shows.



She was the wife of James P. Samberg, who accompanied her to many harness racing events and meetings, and is survived by five children; 11 grandchildren; and three great grandchildren, along with her sister, Donna P. Warner, and numerous nieces and nephews and grand nieces and grand nephews.



Mrs. Samberg's son, Michael McDonald, still works for Batavia Downs, and her nephew, Eric Warner, is the longtime Director of Racing at Monticello Raceway.



Friends may call Friday, March 10, at the Farrell-Ryan Funeral Home, 777 Long Pond Road in Rochester, NY, from 4-8 pm. A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, March 11, at St. Mary's Church, 15 St. Mary's Place, Rochester, NY 14607.



In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Church or the Nazareth Academy, 1001 Lake Ave., Rochester, NY 14613.

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