from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Prominent horse owner, Gaitway Farms founder and former Freehold Raceway owner Kenneth R. Fischer, 93, died August 13, 2011, at his home in Freehold, N.J.

Mr. Fischer was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1918. After graduating from Malverne High School in 1935, he joined American Export Lines as a merchant seaman before serving in the U.S. Merchant Marine Corps during World War II. Upon returning from the Mediterranean theater of operations, he joined his father and brother at Greenwich Mills Co., a purveyor of coffee, tea, and spices, primarily to passenger ships in New York City and other ports. He became president and principal owner of the business for many years before it was sold to Chock Full o’ Nuts Corp. in 1986.

Prior to retiring from the coffee industry, Mr. Fischer became active in the Standardbred horse racing business, acquiring Freehold Raceway and Gaitway Farms in Manalapan. He owned numerous race horses over the years.

He also built and owned Knob Hill Golf Club. A longtime resident of Essex Fells, Mr. Fischer was an active member of Essex Fells Country Club.

Mr. Fischer is survived by his sons, Kenneth Jr., Gary and Jeffrey; eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn.

Funeral arrangements will be made by the Hugh M. Moriarty Funeral Home, 76 Park St., Montclair. The family will receive visitors from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Friday (August 19). A funeral service will be held at the parlor at 8:30 p.m. A private interment will be held in Port Washington, N.Y., on Saturday morning (August 20), followed by a memorial service at Knob Hill Golf Club, 1 Shinnecock Drive, Manalapan, N.J., at 2:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Arthritis Foundation, P.O. Box 96280, Washington, DC 20077, or The Standardbred Retirement Foundation, 108F Old York Road, Hamilton, NJ 08620.

For directions and online condolences visit www.moriartyfuneralhome.com.