from Batavia Downs Media Relations

Batavia, NY — Rocco (Rocky) A. Rapone, Jr., 60, died Jan. 3, 2014, at his home in Dunn, North Carolina.

Outside of a short time running a furniture store in West Virginia, he had only one other desire in his life and that was to train Standardbreds. Being a “Rapone” this was no surprise.

He worked with horses with his dad Rocky from the early age of 12 and had the same blood in his veins as all the other Rapones in the business. He was a nephew to Louis Rapone, Sr. and the late Betty Aquino and was therefore a first cousin to both of their sons, Patsy C. Rapone and Louis Rapone, Jr., whose lives also ended way too soon. He was also a cousin to the late George Rapone, Jr., the late Patsy Rapone of Batavia and Patsy’s brother, Donald Rapone — all lifetime horsemen.

His dad established the Rock N’ Horse Stable and raced such pacers as Elizabeth K, Ellen’sababe, Designer Sahbra and Forever Kwick as well as the nice trotters Peacecomer, Narrows Arrow and Laser Island. He moved his stable around from Scioto and Northfield in Ohio and raced in New York several years at Batavia Downs and Vernon Downs.

Mr. Rapone is survived by his sisters, Theresa (Donald) Mattice and Connie (Donald) Spell; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rocky and Florence (Nicometo) Rapone.

Memorial contributions may be made to Harness Horse Youth Foundation, 16575 Carey Road, Westfield, IN 46074.