Page 62 - New Mexico Summer 2022

IN MEMORIAM
We would like to extend our most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Ross Amestoy, Joyce Harris, Robert “Bob” Cappellucci & Patsy Hancock.
Robert “Bob” Cappellucci Oct. 10, 1934 – May 29, 2022
Robert “Bob” Cappellucci passed away on Sunday, May 29, 2022, in El Paso, TX. Bob was born on October 10, 1934, to Helen and Frank Cappellucci of Hoehne, CO. Bob graduated
as Valedictorian from Hoehne High School in 1951. He went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from Colorado A&M (now CSU), in Fort Collins, CO. Following his college graduation, Bob served in the U.S. Army.
On February 16, 1957, Bob married Roselee Palmer in Trinidad, CO. Together they raised four children. In the late 1950’s, Bob and his dad began a horse racing partnership, training at tracks throughout New Mexico. Their reputation and success as horsemen carried far beyond the NM borders. Throughout the years, they earned multiple leading trainer awards.
In 2011, Bob received the NM Horsemen’s Association Lifetime Achievement Award. Although Bob stopped training horses in 2020, he remained very much a part of the racing family through his sons, Jim and Dick (aka Flaco). Last month, he was honored alongside a small group of men to receive the Pioneers of Racing Award at Sunland Park.
Among the highlights of his career, Bob trained multiple stakes winners including, Bionic Light, Star Smasher, and Missy’s Partner along with many others. His training stint with Bionic Light took him to many different racetracks across the country including, Ak- Sar-Ben, Belmont Park, and Hollywood Park culminating with the inaugural running of the Breeder’s Cup.
Bob was proceeded in death by his wife, Roselee in 2003 and his oldest son, Rob in 2014. Bob is survived by his children, Jim Cappellucci of El Paso, Flaco (Judy) Cappellucci of El Paso,
and Debbie (Mike) Bergenthal of McKinney, TX. “Bobby” as he was known to them, is also survived by his grandkids, Ashton Robert Cappellucci
of Austin, TX; Cassidy Jenae Bergenthal of McKinney, TX; and Cayla Lee Bergenthal of McKinney, TX. Bob is survived by his sister, Joann (Dan) Carter of Anthony, NM; sister-in-law, Joella (Ken) Kirkham of Strong City, KS; and his cousin, Anthony (Patti) Cappellucci of Albuquerque, NM, as well as a host of extended family and friends.
The family would like to thank the caregivers at The MonteVista at Coronado for the excellent care Bob received during the last few days of
his life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the charity of one’s choice. Graveside services were held on June 8, 2022
at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd., Albuquerque, NM.
Joyce Ann Harris
Joyce Ann Harris, 87, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2022, in Albuquerque, NM. She was born in Duluth MN, but grew up on a farm in Lakewood, MN. Joyce moved to Phoenix, AZ in 1956 where she started a life in the horse racing industry. For 66 years she owned, trained, and raised racehorses which was her passion. Joyce was a Recipient of the New Mexico Horsemen’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Joyce is preceded in death by her parents George and Matilda Morgan and Sister Dolores Anderson.
She is survived by her brother Dennis Morgan of Chesapeake Beach, MD, her daughter Kathy Belleville Chester of West Virginia, her son Jack Toms (Denise) of Tucson AZ, and her daughter Nanette Davidson
of Albuquerque, NM. She left behind 8 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren.
Ross Amestoy
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Ross Amestoy of Albuquerque, New Mexico, who passed away on April 4, 2022, at the age of 62.
Ross was predeceased by his father Pierre Amestoy Sr., his siblings, Ronnie Amestoy
and Claudette Amestoy; and his nephew Jason Amestoy. He is survived by his children, Ross A. Amestoy and Serafina-Pierre Amestoy; the mother of his children Andrea; his mother Charlotte Amestoy; his siblings, Pierre (Leslie), Tito (Suzy) and Christine Amestoy; and his godson Ross Otero.
60 New Mexico Horse Breeder
Patsy Hancock
We would like to extend our most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Patsy Hancock who passed away on June 20, 2022. She was such a hard worker and a friend to all of us and will be greatly missed!