Donna P. Warner dies at 86

Batavia, NY — Donna P. Warner, who was a member of the founding harness racing family of Batavia Downs, passed away August 5, 2023, at age 86.

Ms. Warner lived a full and diverse life. Born on March 3, 1937, to her parents Pat E. Provenzano and Barbara Hetzler Provenzano, she joined her sister Barbara in completing their special family that spent most of their lives at the family homestead at 714 Seneca Parkway in Rochester.

Her father Pat was one of the original founders of Batavia Downs in 1940, which continues to operate as the oldest lighted harness track in North America. Ms. Warner became involved in the track in the early 1980’s and became much more involved with her sister, Barbara Samberg, after the Provenzano family took over complete ownership from 1984 through 1997. One of the many highlights during that time was being awarded a Breeders Crown race in 1988.

Ms. Warner enjoyed raising her children, nieces and nephews and watching them become involved in harness racing in all different aspects of the day-to-day operations. Her son Eric Warner is still involved and currently serves as the Senior Director of Racing at Monticello Raceway.

Ms. Warner had many interests and hobbies. She loved her friends and family unconditionally and there were no strangers to her. She was always willing to step up by volunteering for many different agencies and was a member of many different committees. Her faith was always front and center and she always led by example, never afraid to share her opinions or input.

Prior to her involvement in racing but after her children were older, Ms. Warner enrolled at the Isabella Graham Hart school of nursing. This was her way of comforting people at their worst times. There she made lifelong friends with co-workers and patients that she had met through her years at Rochester General Hospital. Later in her career, she worked in private practice with Dr. Brenda Ianucci and Dr. Holly Garber.

Ms. Warner was a dear friend to the Sisters of St. Joseph her entire life and was on a first name basis to many of their congregation there as she was on the medical staff at their Motherhouse. She was also a dear friend to Nazareth Academy where her mom, daughters and granddaughters all graduated from and served as president of their alumni association for many years.

Aside from all that she accomplished during her life; Ms. Warner’s proudest achievement was that of motherhood. She taught her kids to be unselfish, caring and loving. She led by example by volunteering at homeless shelters and by opening her home and heart to any and all. Her kids, grandkids, great grand-kids, nieces and nephews always came first. She was a great friend to many and will be missed dearly.

Ms. Warner was predeceased by her parents, Pat and Barbara Provenzano, sister and brother-in-law Barbara and Jim Samberg and son Gary and daughter-in-law Mary Beth Warner. She is survived by children Melissa Warner of California, Amy (Carl) Munding, Julie Miller, David (Gayle Steele), Eric (Julie Poli); 9 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Calling hours will be held 3 p.m.-7 p.m. Thursday, August 17th at Farrell-Ryan Funeral & Cremation Services located at 777 Long Pond Road, Rochester, New York. A memorial mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 18th at St. Theodore’s Church, 168 Spencerport Road, Rochester, New York.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Sisters of St. Joseph and sent to the office of Admission Advancement in care of Dawn Gruba in memory of Donna Warner, 150 French Road Rochester, NY 14618.

by Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs