Racing official Don Codey passes, age 76

Don was a loving husband, father, grandfather, racing executive and coach.  He was an  alumni of Mt. St. Mary’s College class of ’66.

Early in his career he served as a racing official with the New Jersey Sports Authority as well as Assistant Basketball Coach at Seton Hall University under Bill Raftery, followed by Assistant Director of the New Jersey Racing Commission, where he was instrumental in creating the established rules and regulations for simulcasting in America and Canada.

He also served as past General Manager at Rosecroft Raceway in Oxen Hill, MD., and past COO and Vice President at the former Ballys at Ocean Downs in Berlin, MD.  He was Past Presiding Judge at Meadowlands Racetrack in E. Rutherford, NJ., and Past President of  Freehold Raceway in Freehold, NJ.

Don was very active in the beach community and enjoyed membership in many organizations. He was a member and usher at St. Lukes and St. Andrews Catholic Church, Ocean City Marlin Club, The Dunes Club of MD, 50 year member of the Benevolent Order of Elks and former trustee of the Ocean City Elks, Ocean City Elks Golf Association, Loyal Order of the Moose, Ocean City American Legion, former member of the Towson Elks, member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, past Board Member of Harness Tracks of America and Retired Irish Bounce Passers Association. He was a volunteer for many scholarship funds and charity events as well as a passionate and avid sports enthusiast.

He is survived by his wife, Irma Curtis Codey of Selbyville; one daughter, Melissa Peters and husband Kyle of Wall NJ; two sons, Donald R Codey III and wife Renee of Las Vegas, NV and Sean M Codey of Little Silver, NJ; two sisters, Patricia and Colleen; two brothers, former NJ Governor Richard and Robert; brother-in-law, Lawrence Patterson; grandchildren, Angelina, Olivia, Gabriella, Michael, Matthew, Mia, Katey, Kyle and Logan.  He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and numerous friends who have become extended family.

A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Monday, October 11^th   at St Lukes Catholic Church, 9903 Coastal Hwy in Ocean City with Father Paul Jennings officiating.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, October 10^th from 6pm to 8pm at Bishop-Hastings Funeral Home, 19 S Main St. in Selbyville and also an hour before the mass at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Ocean City Elks Scholarship Fund, 13708 Sinepuxent Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842.