from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Les Rosenthal, 76, of Indio, Calif., died Dec. 3, 2014, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born Jan. 30, 1938, in Los Angeles, Calif., to the late Joseph and Ruth Rosenthal. He graduated from Fairfax High School in 1956 and was a veteran in the army.

Mr. Rosenthal had a successful career as a contractor, a business that his father started in the late 1930s.

His love for harness racing began at an early age with trips to Santa Anita and Hollywood Park. He began as a fan and then owned horses in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.

He loved spending his free time with his family and friends at Hollywood Park and then Los Alamitos. His favorite horse was the invitational trotter Captain Paul N, whom he claimed for $4,000.

Mr. Rosenthal is survived by his wife of 54 years, Roberta; son, Michael (Christina); daughters, Michelle (Todd) Parsons and Cheryl; and grandson, Kyle.

Funeral services will be held Monday (Dec. 8) at 10 a.m. at Mount Sinai Memorial Park in Simi Valley, Calif.