from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Edward Melvin Lilley, 91, of Ferndale, N.Y., a retired owner, trainer and driver at Monticello Raceway for many years, died Jan. 14, 2017, at his daughter’s home in Tafton, Pa.

Mr. Lilley’s eight-horse stable was one of the first on the grounds of Monticello Raceway in April 1963. It included his star pacer Armbro Canuck.

He was the recipient of the Good Guy Award in 1988 from the Monticello Harness Horsemen’s Association and he was instrumental in bringing his stepson, Jan Repko, into the business where they shared the love of harness racing, working together training and driving, respectively.

The son of the late Willard Lilley and Frances Pierce Lilley, he was born April 15, 1925, in Bethel, N.Y. He was the widower of Marilyn Lilley who preceded him in death in 1981.

Mr. Lilley is survived by his children, Patricia (William) Sherlock, Janet (James) Bell, Nancy (David) Wampler, Kimiko (Barry) Smith and Jan (Mindy) Repko; grandchildren, Jamie, Mandy, Jennifer, Jill, Tiffany and Tyler; and seven great- grandchildren. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Edward; and brother, Arthur.

Graveside services and interment of his ashes were held on Wednesday (Jan. 18) at the Evergreen Cemetery, Route 17B in Bethel, N.Y.

Memorial contributions can be made to Smallwood Fire Company and Bethel ambulance.