I wanted to share that my father passed away this week at his home in Hurlock Maryland. 

Some knew my father from racing at Flemington Speedway and around the area in the 50s and 60s in his own cars and in the Gattone Car #77 out of Raritan NJ.  It could also be noted that he spent many years working as one of the 'guys' for Frankie Schneider and was friends with Frank for decades. 

Dad Never lost the passion for keeping up with our racing activities and watched the races this past Memorial day.  In my last conversation with him, we spoke about how the NASCAR races played out that weekend.

Dad served his country in the Army National Guard as a marksman and tank driver.  He worked from his teenage years to retirement as Union Mason/Bricklayer.

He spent his retirement days doing what we all should do - fishing and working on his hot rod cars.  At 86 he just bought a 1927 Chevy and was just putting the finishing touches on the car to make it road worthy when he passed.  He just finished switching over the front end and told me that he built the Shock Mount towers in the style of a John Burnett car.

He requested that we do not hold any services for him and we are respecting his wishes.  We are however making plans to celebrate his life with a get-together somewhere and will share some details when they are known.

Between Races, holding a ubiquitous Pabst Blue Ribbon beer.  By the way, wondering who the guy is in the Hoosier shirt...

Dad is saluted at one of Frankie's famous holiday parties.  That's Frankie in the upper right-hand corner wheeling the wheelbarrow.

Sorry to hear of your Dad's passing Kev. Sounded like a great guy, cherish the memories.  May he rest in peace.

Sorry for your loss. Your dad was a hugh help to me getting started. Needing a set of heads to complete my first motor. Your dad sold me a set at a very affordable price. I believe something like $50-75.00.

He also introduced me to Frankie who also was very helpful. For a guy to help out a 19 year old punk kid made your dad one special man. R.I.P. Joe

Very sorry to hear about your Dad, may he Rest In Peace.

Sincere sympathies to you and your family, Kev. Cherish your memories.

Kevin - My condolences to you and your family on the passing of your father.  I never met him, but feel like I know him through meeting you and your brothers over the years, and from the information you provided in above.  A father to be very proud of, and a man for all of us to respect.

Thoughts and prayers for you and your family Kevin.

Very sorry for your loss...RIP Joe....

Condolences on the loss of your father from this 86 year old union bricklayer who would have liked to got in that 37 Ford back in the day!!

Sorry to hear about your loss, condolences to your friends and family. 

So sorry to hear this Kevin. my condolences to you and your family. he was a really nice guy. I still have the victory lane photo of your father when he won the old timers race at flemington in 1975. He was so excited when he climbed out of the car in victory lane. i'll never forget that and all the other times with your dad and Joey. I am glad he was enjoying his retirement. my best to you, bobby pickell jr.