Michael P. Ballezzi Sr. Esq.

Michael P. Ballezzi, Esq., 76, of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, passed away, Wednesday, August 31, 2022, at his home surrounded by family and friends.

Michael was born May 29, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Angelo and Anna (Camuccio) Ballezzi. He graduated from Monsignor Bonner High School in 1964, Rutgers University in 1973 and The Delaware Law School at Widener University 1976. Michael practiced family law in Delaware County, Pa where he served as District Justice from 1983-1998.

In 1996 Michael found his true calling, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association. For 25 years Michael fought and advocated for the sport of horseracing, racehorses and especially the horsemen.

Michael Ballezzi was a driving force behind the passage of the Pennsylvania Racehorse Development and Gaming Act 71 in 2004. Legislation that legalized slot machines in the Commonwealth, creating revenue that changed the landscape of horseracing in Pennsylvania, improving conditions in the backstretch and providing health and pension benefits for the Horseman.

Michael Ballezzi had an immense love and respect for animal athletes. Because of his commitment to the health and wellbeing of retired racehorses he founded Turning for Home in 2008. Turning for Home is a non-profit organization that has placed more than 3,600 (and counting) racehorses in new homes. Turning for Home is now considered the gold standard in racehorse retirement programs.

In recognition of his fierce, compassionate leadership and service to all horsemen and women, Michael Ballezzi was named 2008 PTHA Man of the Year, inducted into the Parx Racing Hall of Fame in 2014, and was honored in 2019 by Parx Racing when they named an annual race the “M.P. Ballezzi Appreciation Mile”.

Michael Ballezzi was a man of many interests and hobbies. An avid chess player, history buff, genealogist, gardener and consistent with his love of animal athletes, he trained, competed and bred hunting and field trial labrador retrievers. Travelling across

the country with the dogs he loved.

He had a way with animals and people where everyone became a better version of themselves after spending time with him.

A loving husband of 54 years to Ardith J. Ballezzi, and incredible father to Michael P. Ballezzi, Jr., and a generous friend and mentor to everyone.

Survived by his wife Ardith “Ardie” (nee Cann), his son Michael P. Jr., his brother Louis F. (Mary nee Brescia) Ballezzi Esq. and many loving nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Relatives & friends are invited to his viewing Monday, Morning Sept. 12th; 10:00 A.M. – 11:45 A.M. followed by his Funeral Service 12:00 Noon in the Main Chapel of The D’Anjolell Memorial Home of Broomall 2811 West Chester Pike 19008. Interment Private.

Contributions in Michael’s memory may be made to Turningforhome.org

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