Father of trainer Violette dies at 85

Rick Violette Sr., the father of trainer and New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association President Rick Violette Jr., died Friday morning after a brief illness. He was 85.

Violette served in the Navy and worked as a mechanical engineer in his native Massachusetts before retiring to Boynton Beach, Fla. A longtime volunteer for the winter Special Olympics, he is survived by his wife of 62 years, Beatrice; sons, Christopher, Robert, and Richard Jr.; daughter, Patrice; and two grandchildren.

A private service will be held Wednesday in Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the New Hampshire Special Olympics, 650 Elm St., Manchester, N.H. 03101, www.sonh.org.