Vernon horseman Tony Farina dies

February 17, 2009

Anthony J. "Tony" Farina, 63, of Utica, NY, died last Saturday at the Faxton-St. Luke�s Healthcare Center following a brief illness.

Farina and his brother, Sal, became Standardbred owners at Vernon Downs more than 30 years ago. Speedy Chief, one of his early pacers, was driven to a second-place finish by the noted movie star Tonto during the early 1970s, recalled former Proctor High classmate and trainer Tony Mondi.

A former shareholder of Mid-State Raceway Inc., Farina worked diligently to help bring video gaming machines to the state�s racetracks. He was passionate about his involvement in the sulky sport and worked willingly on its behalf. He enjoyed nurturing, raising and tending his harness horses, which became a daily ritual following his retirement. He valued the many friendships he made and the camaraderie he shared with people who relished a common interest in horse racing, and was greatly admired by the Vernon Downs community.

Mr. Farina was a member and long-time director of the Harness Horse Association of Central New York.

"Tony has been actively involved in the association since the mid-1990s," said HHA-CNY president Rick Papa. "In recent years, Tony and fellow director Carol Okusko would prepare dinner on racing nights and bring it to the paddock for all the horse-people to enjoy. Tony was a selfless man, helpful to people in need, well-liked and respected, and he will be greatly missed."

"You�ll never find a more loyal or honest person than Tony Farina," said his long-time trainer Dave Dewhurst, a 13-time Vernon conditioning champion. "He was a hands-on owner who loved to come to the stable and be with the horses. He was also a true fan who enjoyed dining at the track and watching his horses compete."

Farina�s memorable horses included Olive Bret, Wise Man, Party Boy K, No Limits, New Attraction, Blue Jean Hanover, Lucky You, and the New York Sires Stakes standout Don�t Be Scared, who still reigns as a Monticello Raceway record-holder, among others. Son Anthony R. is continuing his father�s involvement in harness racing as an owner and trainer.

A graduate of Utica College, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in education, Farina married Barbara Vivyan on Oct. 9, 1971. She deceased in 1999.

Following involvement in the operation of the Farina Sausage Co., Farina embarked on a 34-year career as a teacher of English and Latin at Waterville High School. He retired in 2001.

In addition to his son Anthony, Farina is survived by his son Adam, of Utica; grandchildren Anthony A. J. Farina and Kyler Alexis Farina; six brothers and sister-in-laws, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Utica�s Church of Our Lady of Lourdes on Feb. 18, and his entombment will take place in the city�s Calvary Mausoleum. The family has requested that those wishing to do so make contributions to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization.

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