Columbus, OH — Richard “Dick” Roadarmel, 87, died at his home in Bloomsburg, Pa., on Sept. 1, 2024.
He was born and raised in Bloomsburg and began his harness racing career at age 12 as a groom for Ray DuBois. During his high school years, he worked on the racing circuit for William “Bud” Schaeffer and U.C. Steele at his farm.
Upon graduation, Mr. Roadarmel enlisted in the Navy and travelled the world. On his return, he earned a degree in Business Education at Bloomsburg State Teachers College. He went on to teach in Rushville, N.Y., for five years until he received a call offering him a job working again for U.C Steele back in Bloomsburg. From1967 to 1982 he trained 2- and 3-year-old fillies at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds and worked at the farm.
After the sale of the horse farm, he began operating his own stable. Over the years, Mr. Roadarmel trained many horses, including Stray Lady, Arbitrage and Sea Pine, who became the 1977 New Jersey 2-year-old Filly of the Year.
During his life, he broke yearlings, was a fixture at the Harrisburg Standardbred Horse Sale and put many miles in on the road and on the jog cart.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marie (Tomko), who was responsible for holding the fort while he was on the road. He is survived by his daughters, Lori (Karl) Anderson and Cindy (Steve) Beyer; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.