from the USTA Communications Department
Columbus, OH — Joseph Charles Carelli, 69, of Dearborn Heights, Mich., an owner who raced Standardbreds in Michigan, Ontario, New York, New Jersey and Ohio, died Sept. 19, 2017.
Mr. Carelli loved claiming and buying horses. He partnered with friend and trainer Kevin Efimetz, who he knew since 1990, and called him one of the best and hardest working trainers in the business.
Mr. Carelli is survived by his wife, Joanna; daughters, Cheryl (David) Miller and Leslie (Mark) Payment; and grandchildren, Jessica, Justin, Matthew and Michael. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Gertrude; and brothers, James and Charles.
Visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m. on Friday (Sept. 22) at the Taylor Chapel of Howe-Peterson Funeral Home, 9800 S. Telegraph Rd., Taylor, MI 48180. Rosary on Friday (Sept. 22) at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass on Saturday (Sept. 23) at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 26123 McDonald St., Dearborn Heights, Mich. Instate at 9:30 a.m., Mass at 10 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital (www.stjude.org).