from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Robert N. “Bob” Larry, 88, who served many years in various capacities at the Chicago-area harness racetracks, died Jan. 12, 2012, in Hinsdale, Ill.

Mr. Larry was discharged from the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1946, following combat service in Europe, and the native of Maywood, Ill., returned to his home in that community and at first found work as a parking attendant and timer at the newly opened Maywood Park — beginning a long love affair with the sport.

Through the years Mr. Larry went on to serve in various positions at Washington Park, Aurora Downs and Sportsman’s Park, working as an assistant race secretary, race secretary and judge.

“I’ve just always worked somewhere at some track,” Mr. Larry said in a profile published online by Odds On Racing in 2005. “I’ve worked in nearly every department at these tracks, but my favorite place has always been in the racing office. The people I deal with is what I enjoy the most, and also the fact that for the most part, I’ve been able to work kind of independently in here.”

Mr. Larry, although retired, remained interested in the sport and was a member of the U.S. Trotting Association at the time of his passing.

“He was one of the finest gentlemen I have ever met,” USTA President Phil Langley said. Langley’s father, Pete, was responsible for hiring Mr. Larry to one of his many jobs — as an associate judge at Aurora Downs in 1959.

Visitation is on Monday, January 16th at Redeemer Lutheran Church at 9:00 a.m. followed by funeral service at 10:30 a.m.

Redeemer Lutheran Church
139 East 1st Street
Hinsdale, IL 60521-4256
(630) 323-5530