Joseph Billante dies

Joseph W. Billante, a trainer, breeder, owner and driver at The Meadows for more than 30 years, died Monday in a tractor accident. He was 64.

According to published reports, Mr. Billante, of Chartiers Township, Washington County, was operating a small farm tractor pulling a mower deck when the tractor rolled on an embankment, pinning him beneath. He was transported to Canonsburg Hospital where he later died.

John Marshall, vice president and general manager of The Meadows, called Mr. Billante “a pillar of The Meadows community.”

“While his stable was small, his contribution was inordinately large,” Mr. Marshall said. “He was active in the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association and always could be counted on for valuable input on important issues. He will be missed.”

Though he drove infrequently, Mr. Billante made his mark as a trainer, breeder and owner, perhaps most notably with the pacing mare Murphy B. She took a mark of 1:56.2 and earned $65,610 and was even more successful as a broodmare. Her son Murphy’s Best (Cambest), bred and campaigned by Mr. Billante, owns a mark of 1:51.1 and banked $294,075. Another son of Murphy B, B Blissful (1:54.4), continues to race at The Meadows.

Mr. Billante, who owned and operated a home improvement business, also bred such outstanding performers as Asia (1:59.1, $130,669), Black Beaver (2:01.2, $56,532), Florida Score (1:59.3, $75,959), Joey’s Turn (2:00.1, $67,051) and Semper Silk (1:59, $81,355).

He is survived by his wife, Joan Snyder; daughters Laureen Trovato, Kimberly Billante and Michelle Barnhart; son Joseph W. Billante, Jr.; brother Sam Billante, and sister Janice Billante.

Visitation hours at Sollon Funeral Home in Canonsburg are Wednesday, May 30, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Thursday, May 31, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass is set for Friday, June 1, at 10 a.m. at St. Hillary Church, Washington, Pa. (The Meadows)

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