Columbus, OH — Lon Frocione, 88, who served for 15 years on the USTA board of directors, representing District 8, died Oct. 21, 2020.

Lon Frocione, 88, who served for 15 years on the USTA board of directors, representing District 8, died Oct. 21, 2020. USTA photo.

Mr. Frocione was first elected to the USTA Board in 1987, serving five years; he was re-elected to the Board in 1997, serving an additional 10 years.

Mr. Frocione became interested in the Standardbred sport in 1959 after having met several racing fans while working as a salesman. He adopted their interest and soon became an owner, trainer and driver.

He had a deep interest in amateur driving and in 2006 represented the United States in Italy in the World Cup of Amateur Driving. He was also the founder of the Women’s International Trot, showcasing the finest female drivers from the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, England and Ireland.

Easily his best known horse over the years was Sportsmaster p,2,1:52.1 ($755,803), who won the 1991 Woodrow Wilson and went on to sire the winners of nearly $104 million.

Mr. Frocione was inducted into the Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame in 1999.

He was a former president of the Harness Horse Association of Central New York, and was named Harness Horsemen International’s Man of the Year in 1988. In addition, Mr. Frocione served as a director of the Morrisville College Foundation and was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Monticello-Goshen Chapter of the U.S. Harness Writers Association.

Mr. Frocione was the owner of Deli-Boy, Inc., Food for Thought, Food Features and Camillus Hills Developments. He also served as a director of Solvay Bank.

Arrangements will be posted when available.