Dennis Tourville passes at 66

Batavia, NY — Dennis James Tourville, 66, of Buffalo, New York, passed away on January 25, 2025 at the Erie County Medical Center. He was born on August 14, 1958 to the late Lester and Mildred Tourville.

Mr. Tourville had a life-long passion for animals, in particular horses. Born into a harness racing family, he learned how to groom, train and drive trotters and pacers under the tutelage of his father Lester, who was a longtime accomplished horseman on the Western New York circuit. He achieved his harness driver’s license in 1981 and was an integral part of the stable his father campaigned for many years. Although his main focus was conditioning their stock, Mr. Tourville did register a total of 38 wins, 37 seconds and 46 thirds from his 476 career pari-mutuel starts in the sulky.

Some of the horses they campaigned together over the years include Candace Greenwood, Mar Con Don, Mr. Straw, Glamor S Collins, Devils Cheer, JRB and Jimmy R. His all-time favorite was a horse named Money, who he shared Pop Tarts and peanut butter crackers with.

When Lester Tourville retired from actively participating in the sport in 1997, Dennis continued to be fully engaged, acting as second trainer and caretaker to many horses racing at Batavia Downs and remained a beloved member of the racing community there right until that day he passed.

Mr. Tourville was also a huge Buffalo Bills fan and you would often see him sporting a Bills sweatshirt in the barn area. He was also a beloved individual who will be missed by all who knew him during his life.

Mr. Tourville is survived by his siblings, Rev. David Tourville, Deborah Tourville, Diane Tourville, Donna (Fred) Kabel, Darlene (Dan) Bailey, Jeremey (Kc) Tourville and Sarah Tourville. Several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. His friends, who he thought of as family, and who took care of him during his illness,include Tammy, Todd, Kyle and Alyssa Cummings. Also, his close friend Donna Kerr.

Besides his parents, Mr. Tourville was predeceased in death by his brother Daniel Tourville.

Family and Friends are invited to attend services on Sunday, February 9 at C. Mertz and Son Funeral Home, 911 Englewood Ave, Buffalo NY 14223. Calling hours will be at 3 p.m. followed by a service at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 26, there will be a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Dominic’s Parish, 15 Union St Westfield, NY 14787 at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to New Vocation Racehorse adoption on their website newvocations.org or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org. Your memories and condolences may be shared with the family at mertzfh.com.

by Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs