Longtime New Jersey trainer Zoppi dies at 74

Longtime New Jersey trainer Joseph Zoppi died on Tuesday at the age of 74.

Zoppi trained horses in New Jersey for more than 40 years and was a longtime board member for the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association. For many years, he administered the hands-on trainer tests to aspiring New Jersey horsemen.

A native of Newark, N.J., Zoppi lived in Cedar Grove. He won 101 races during his career.

A private funeral service was held at Shook’s Cedar Grove Funeral Home. Zoppi is survived by his aunt, Marie Zoppi, and numerous cousins.