from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — William M. Woityra, 75, died July 16, 2015.

A resident of Churchville, N.Y., he graduated from Cornell University and was a Vietnam veteran. He worked at Burroughs/Unisys Corporation for 36 years.

Mr. Woityra bred and owned harness horses in western New York since the late 1970s, racing primarily at Buffalo Raceway and Batavia Downs. He loved the sport of harness racing and was a good friend to many horsemen.

His last horse was current headliner JL Cruze ($645,385) who he purchased as a yearling. Failing health forced the sale of this sensational trotter. Mr. Woityra nonetheless followed JL Cruze’s career until his death.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Patricia; sons, Shane and William (Katie); sister, Mae Bartman; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Standardbred Retirement Foundation, 353 Sweetmans Lane, Suite 101, Millstone, NJ 08535.