Robert Cottrell, 84, dies

Columbus, OH — Robert B. Cottrell, 84, died Nov. 22, 2018.

He was blessed to spend recent days and Thanksgiving with those who meant the most to him, family.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sally; children, Dr. Timothy (Lisa) and Tracy (Joseph) Ilvento; grandsons, Connor, Sean and Alex Ilvento; and dear sister, Joan Light.

He will be missed by many longtime friends, many of whom worked with him in equestrian training and harness racing.

He was one of the leading trainer/drivers at Buffalo Raceway, Batavia Downs and Vernon Downs during the late 1950s through the 1970s.

Some of his memorable horses were New York Sire Stakes winner Gentlewoman; open pacers G I Grattan, Tuxedo Bill and Frosty Paige; and open trotters Tarport Lou, Sona Ross and Farmington. His favorite, the last one he campaigned, was Rocket Red.

Father Joseph McCaffrey and Dr. Daniel Brockway will conduct funeral services at Fowler Funeral Home Inc., 340 West Ave., Brockport, at 11 a.m. on Saturday (Dec. 1) with calling hour prior to the service from 10-11 a.m. Interment, spring time 2019.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary or Brockport First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 378, Brockport, NY 14420.

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