Columbus, OH — Donald R. Codey Jr., 76, of Selbyville, Del., died Sept. 26, 2021, at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes following a long suffering illness related to COVID-19.

He was born in Springfield, Mo., and was the son of the late Donald R. Codey Sr. and Patricia A. (Harling) Codey.

Mr. Codey was a loving husband, father, grandfather, racing executive and coach. He was an alumni of Mt. St. Mary’s College class of ’66.

Early in his career he served as a racing official with the New Jersey Sports Authority as well as assistant basketball coach at Seton Hall University under Bill Raftery, followed by assistant director of the New Jersey Racing Commission, where he was instrumental in creating the established rules and regulations for simulcasting in America and Canada.

He also served as past General Manager at Rosecroft Raceway in Oxen Hill, Md., and past COO and Vice President at the former Ballys at Ocean Downs in Berlin, Md. He was Presiding Judge at Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, N.J., and President of Freehold Raceway in Freehold, N.J.

Mr. Codey was very active in the beach community and enjoyed membership in many organizations. He was a member and usher at St. Lukes and St. Andrews Catholic Church, Ocean City Marlin Club, The Dunes Club of MD, 50 year member of the Benevolent Order of Elks and former trustee of the Ocean City Elks, Ocean City Elks Golf Association, Loyal Order of the Moose, Ocean City American Legion, former member of the Towson Elks, member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, past Board Member of Harness Tracks of America and Retired Irish Bounce Passers Association.

He was a volunteer for many scholarship funds and charity events, as well as a passionate and avid sports enthusiast.

He is survived by his wife, Irma Curtis Codey; daughter, Melissa (Kyle) Peters; sons, Donald R. III (Renee) and Sean M.; sisters, Patricia and Colleen; brothers, Richard and Robert; brother-in-law, Lawrence Patterson; grandchildren, Angelina, Olivia, Gabriella, Michael, Matthew, Mia, Katey, Kyle and Logan; and many nieces, nephews and numerous friends who have become extended family.

A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday (Oct. 11) at St Lukes Catholic Church, 9903 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, with Father Paul Jennings officiating.

A viewing will be held on Sunday (Oct. 10) from 6-8 p.m. at Bishop-Hastings Funeral Home, 19 S. Main St., Selbyville, and also an hour before the mass at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ocean City Elks Scholarship Fund, 13708 Sinepuxent Ave., Ocean City, MD 21842.