Thomas Michael Aldrich passed away peacefully on June 13th at his home surrounded by his family on the day following his 76th birthday.
He is survived by his two loving daughters, Allison Aldrich and Christine Bertges, his beloved four-year-old grandson Nathan Thomas Bertges, his son-in-law Blaine Bertges, and his sister Gail (“Sis”) Collins. Tom grew up in Trotwood, Ohio, attended college at The Ohio State University (‘68) and law school at the University of Cincinnati (‘71). After he graduated, Tom, inspired by childhood trips to Lebanon Raceway with his father Clyde, pursued a career in the Harness Racing industry. While managing Rosecroft Raceway near Washington DC, he met his late wife Lynn Fortna. He loved to tell the story of the moment that he first saw the exuberant and beautiful redhead. When asked if he could be introduced, a colleague replied “Don’t worry about it Tom-you can’t handle her.” Undeterred, Tom ultimately married the love of his life, and the two shared 38 years together until her passing in 2022. Soon after marrying, the couple moved from Maryland back to Tom’s home state where he started his long career at Northfield Park Racetrack. They settled in Hudson, OH in 1987 where they raised their daughters and Tom maintained a home until his passing.
It was at Northfield Park where Tom built his legacy in harness racing. He began as general manager in 1985 and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President in 2000. Through his leadership and partnership with owners Carl and Brock Milstein, Myron Charna, and many dedicated colleagues, Northfield grew into one of the sport’s most respected tracks, drawing elite horses, major events, and racing fans from all over. Respected for his tireless work ethic and attention to detail, Tom was deeply involved in the day-to-day operations and took great pride in the success of the track. In recognition of his leadership and contributions to the sport, Tom served as president of the Harness Tracks of America from 1996 to 1998 and was inducted into the Ohio Harness Racing Hall of Fame in 1999. After retiring from active management in 2013, Tom spent more time in Reno, Nevada, where he and Lynn owned a second home; he remained involved at Northfield through his contributions as a consultant and then as an Associate Judge until 2025. The culmination of Tom’s lifelong contributions to the sport came in July 2025, when he was inducted into the Harness Racing Hall of Fame in Goshen, New York. Surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues, he celebrated receiving one of harness racing’s highest honors and the lasting impact he had on the industry he loved.
In addition to harness racing, Tom loved Motown (often heard belting out his favorite Diana Ross numbers), Disney (making his last trip in March 2025 when he fulfilled his dream of taking his grandson to Disney World for his first visit), Las Vegas (dubbing himself a “professional video poker player,”) books (his love of which he shared by reading to his grandson often in his last years), long conversations with his sister and many cherished friends, but above all he loved his family.
Our dad was a devoted husband and father, and after our mom’s passing, he became the steady center of our family. His unwavering love and support carried our family through our grief and filled those years with memories we will cherish forever, including celebrating Christine and Blaine’s wedding in May. After falling ill in the Spring of 2025, Tom never lost his strength, quick wit, or generous spirit. We will always be grateful for the opportunity to be by his side and care for him in the same way he spent a lifetime caring for us.
Happy Father’s Day, Dad. You will forever be loved and missed.
A Celebration of Life for both Tom and Lynn will be held on Monday June 29th at 2 pm at New Horizons Christian Church, 290 Darrow Rd in Akron. The family will receive visitors at the church from 1 pm-2 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Harness Horse Youth Foundation (Lynn Fortna financial assistance program) at hhyf.org or 2711 Friar Tuck Road, Anderson, IN 46013.
To view obituary in Akron Beacon Journal, click here.