Antoinette M. Nigito, 90, dies

Jobstown, NJ — Antoinette (Toni) M. Nigito, 90, died Sept. 22, 2019.

She and her late husband, Paul J. Nigito Sr., founded Joie De Vie Farms in Jobstown, N.J., named after the first truly great horse they owned, Joie De Vie.

Her involvement in harness racing spanned 35 years and she owned many top horses, often in partnership with the Antonacci family. The Nigitos found tremendous joy being part owner of the great Moni Maker. They were also partners with the Antonaccis, Bill Perretti, George Siegel and Joe and Joann Thomson in purchasing and renovating the Red Mile.

After Paul Sr. died she continued to race many horses but was most proud of the open pacing mare Walk On The Beach. She purchased “Walker” for $2,500 to keep the then weanling filly from being sent to the New Holland, Pa., auction, making her future uncertain. Mrs. Nigito’s investment proved fruitful as Walk On The Beach became the richest daughter of Beach Towel, earning $796,441.

She was also the proud owner of 2002 2-year-old Breeders Crown champion Totally Western p,3,1:51.2s ($433,706).

Among other horses she raced were two-time Ontario Super Final champion Fan Favourite 3,1:56.3s ($450,387) and her  daughter Lola De Vie 4,1:53.4 ($409,523); and NJSS champions So You De Vie 1:54.1f ($202,760) and Nordicdish 3,1:55 ($123,426).

In recent years her small broodmare band has produced current New York champion trotting filly Winndevie 3,1:54s ($524,182), International Trot contender Explosive De Vie ($426,921), Kentucky Filly Futurity elimination winner Oasis Dream 3,1:53.4 ($221,961) and Thor De Vie 4,1:50s ($230,552).

Mrs. Nigito was a strong advocate for taking care of retired Standardbreds whose fates were often in doubt. Presently 28 Standardbreds have found their forever home at Joie De Vie Farm.

Besides her farm Mrs. Nigito was sole proprietor of Nigito Realty, a real estate management company in River Edge, N.J., founded by her and Paul Sr.

In 2010 Mrs. Nigito was honored by the Meadowlands Regional Chamber of Commerce for achievement and contributions to the area’s business community.

She was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Church, Cub Scout Den Mother and delighted in being a member of the Pleasant Valley Singers who performed concerts and musicals.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Harness Horsmen’s Association at www.chha.net.

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