Earl Beal dies of heart attack

Earl Beal Jr., president of the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen’s Association, died of a heart attack late Monday afternoon. He was 65.

 

As president of PHHA, Beal was an important voice in shaping the organizing principles behind many of the PA Harness Breeders Fund regulations. He was an owner, a breeder, and boarded horses at his farm in Lewistown PA. He was also a former trainer and driver. He was a partner in a Select Yearling Sale at Pocono Downs this October.

 

“He was a great leader and friend,” said Ron Battoni, executive director of the PHHA. “We’ll be going into 2010 with heavy hearts, but thankful for our time with Earl and the great work he did over the years. His contribution to Pennsylvania harness racing doesn’t end with his passing, as the groundwork he laid will continue to positively influence our organization for years to come.”

 

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Dec. 31, at 11 a.m. from the Baggus Funeral Home, 3813 W. Main St., Belleville, PA 17004. The phone number is 888-792-9688. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday, December 30, from 6 to 9 p.m.

 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Harness Horse Youth Foundation, 16575 Carey Rd., Westfield, IN 46074.