Richard “Dick” Gaffglione, who dedicated his life to horse racing, died October 6 in Hot Springs, Ark, at the age of 81.
Born on October 23, 1940, in Omaha, Neb., to the late Mary Jane and Sebastiano Gaffglione, Gaffglione was a trainer, owner, agent, and servant. He also comes from a family involved in the sport. According to a Caruth-Hale Funeral Home obituary, “In his spare time, he enjoys nothing more than watching his nephews Terry Houghton and Tyler Gaffalione race.”
Some family members have a slightly different way of writing their family name.
He was booked by his brothers, Robert and William Gaffglione, and his sister, Jackie Jordan.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Billie (Cook); his sister, Claudia Houghton; his daughters, Charlotte Calandro and Lisa Vaught; his grandchildren, Mollie Vaught Price, Christina Calandro, (Brad Noteisen), Anthony Calandro and Sydney Vaught; his great-grandson, Davis Cain Price, as well as many nieces and nephews.
According to Caruth-Hale’s obituary, Gaffglione continues to serve as the Arkansas Racing Commission placing the judge at Oaklawn Park until he passed away.
“RIP for this kind soul,” Oaklawn TV host Nancy Holthus tweeted, noting that her father and Gaffglione were roommates and met their wives in Oaklawn.
“After that, Dick and I worked together in the experimental barn for many years,” she added. “Keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.”
A memorial service is being planned for later this year. Instead of flowers, Gaffglione wants you to buy a lottery ticket and win something in his honor, Caruth-Hale’s obituary reads.
This press release has been edited and styled by the BloodHorse Staff.
