Dennis J. Desmarais, passed away on Aug. 20, 2020, age 78, in Spring Hill, FL due to COVID-19.

He spent his golden years with companion Georgeanna Meyers in sunny Florida, but from the early 1980s until 2002 he trained horses to the tune of 2,208 starts and 272 wins. Twice the Star was his top earner.

Dennis was a horse trainer at Philadelphia Park/Parx and his love for horses remained with him for his entire life. He was a loyal New England, Philadelphia & Tampa sports fan and was an avid reader of western books. There are lots of great laughs and stories surrounding Dennis and his friends here at Parx.

Francis J. Ortale, Sr. passed away on September 12, 2020 at the age of 89. Beloved husband of the late Ruth and family. His daughter Diane Katsoff wrote this: Dad

was 89 and was known by various names. Some called him Frank, others Franny, a few Orty. He was involved in PA Thoroughbred racing and breeding for over 45 years. As most owners, he had various trainers over the years. Beginning with David Carr (resulting in a 45 yr friendship) and the most recent with Kate Demasi, who when I spoke to her the night he died really summed up what many have said to me, “he was the nicest man, always a true gentleman, and I was truly honored to have known him”. His racing silks showed his often stated belief that “only in America can a Construction worker own a race horse, thus the blue with white stars and the red and white stripes! He had just received a plaque from local 542 (operating engineers) as a 70 yr member, longest Living active member.

He had many horses over time and although never had a graded stakes winner, Assigini received the award for “Best claiming horse” at the Pa Horsemas banquet in 2004. Claimed for $4,000 and went on to win 7 races, including allowances. To dad and mom the award was like winning the derby! Two other horses will always be linked to dad, American Quest and Ursula’s Passion. You can say The passion for Ursula was an understatement. She was claimed from him 4x and each time he went back in for her! He went on to breed Assaginni, thus forming another long time friendship with Brian Sanfratelli. Everyone on the backside loved him, as evidenced when he would go to track, up until about 6 months ago, and their would be a constant stream of people stopping to say hello and see how he was feeling. He considered everyone as fellow horseman/horsewoman. He greeted and chatted the same; whether you were a hot walker, groom, trainer, jockey, fellow owner, blacksmith, vet or track executive, you were a fellow horseman.

As I mentioned, horse and jockey safety always came first, winning was an added bonus. I don’t think you will find anyone around the track, that didn’t like him.