by Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — Michael P. McDonald, 51, of Batavia, N.Y., died March 4, 2016, at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, N.Y., after a lengthy illness.

Mr. McDonald was born Oct. 28, 1964, in Rochester, N.Y., the son of the late Paul McDonald and the late Barbara (Provenzano) Samberg.

Mr. McDonald graduated from the Aquinas Institute in 1982 and moved quickly into the family business. In 1984, he took over as the publicity director of Batavia Downs Racetrack, which was then owned by his mother, Barbara Samberg (who was the first female Director of the USTA) and his aunt, Donna Warner, after the passing of their father, Pat Provenzano, who founded the track in 1940.

For 14 years, Mr. McDonald publicized and organized the activities of the top names in the industry and managed many high level racing events held at Batavia Downs that included Grand Circuit races, New York Sire Stakes and a Breeders Crown in 1988.

When the track was eventually sold to Western Regional Off Track Betting in 1998, Mr. McDonald stayed on staff and became the facilities operations manager and inter-track wagering manager and served in both capacities until 2006.

A member of Resurrection Parish in Batavia, Mr. McDonald was an avid sports fan (in particular of the Minnesota Vikings) and was very active in local youth sports. He was also very involved with his two sons and their activities. He enjoyed playing golf and participated in the local men’s hockey league. He was a youth football coach, little league baseball coach and a volunteer for Notre Dame High School football.

Mr. McDonald is survived by his step-father, Jim Samberg; sons, Cam and Aaron; sisters, Martha Smith, Margo Conheady, and Meghan (Scott Boone); brother, Mark (Jacquie); former wife, Kelly; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

The McDonald family will be present from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday (March 9) at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel located at 4120 West Main Street Road, Batavia, N.Y. Prayers will be recited at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday (March 10) followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. celebrated by the Rev. Bill Donnelly at Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph’s Site).

Memorial contributions may be made to Notre Dame High School, 73 Union St., Batavia, N.Y. 14020.

Please share your words of comfort with his family at www.tomaszewskifh.com or for more information please call 585.343.7500.