Joseph "Joe" Amendolara

Jiuseppi “Joe” Amendolara, 92, of Umatilla Florida, passed away on the morning of Saturday April 4th 2020 surrounded by his loving family.
Joe was born in Brooklyn, NY, on September 7th, 1927 and raised in Hollis, NY, by his parents, Frederick and Angelina Amendolara, hard working Italian immigrants. A life-long owner, trainer, and rider of horses, Joe’s first interactions with the majestic creatures came as a young boy working for his father’s ice-delivery business. He often shared fond memories of the draft horse that lead his father’s delivery wagon, specifically the time he tried to ride the horse at the age of seven—the start of his equine love affair.
Joe spent many years in Pawtucket, RI where he and his wife, the late Patricia McCarthy, lived and raised two daughters, Angela and Robin. Joe worked in the horse industry as a Thoroughbred horse trainer, owner and Jockey. During his many years working with horses he traveled up and down the east coast, spending the majority of his time in New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Florida and New York around various racetracks.
Joe moved to Broward County, FL, from Rhode Island 38 years ago, working with many horses and trainers at Gulfstream and Calder racetracks. In 2010 he moved to Central Florida to be closer to his family, and continued to be involved with the horse industry in Ocala, FL. He was a member of the Florida Horseman’s Benevolent and Protective Association for over 35 years, and a member of the New England H.B.P.A. for many years prior to that.
In his retirement, Joe enjoyed reading, cooking and exercising at the YMCA, where he developed many friendships. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandsons, Andrew Colando III and James Colando.
He is survived by daughters Robin Colando of Altoona, FL, and Angela Montgomery of Ocala, FL, sister Anne Cartwright of Long Island, NY, son-in-laws Andrew Colando Jr. of Altoona, FL, and Derek Montgomery, of Ocala FL, as well as his extended family and many good friends.
To Joe, no one was ever a stranger and he enjoyed talking to everyone. Everyone was his goomba (Italian slang for “companion”). His sweet smile and generous ways will always be remembered.
Joe was also a member of Saint Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church in Eustis FL. Mass and memorial services will be held at a later date. Please contact Robin Colando at 352-636-6350, or by email at rcolando@gmail.com , for more information.