Obituary of Harold James Dancer

Harold "Sonny" Dancer, 80, of Freehold passed away March 6, 2016. He was a trainer/driver since 1954 from the esteemed 'Dancer' family. Sonny was born on Oct. 10, 1935. He was the son of Harold R. and Marion E. Dancer. He graduated from Red Bank High School in 1954. That same year, Sonny won his first race at Freehold Raceway and Yonkers behind Toodles Hanover. Sonny trained and drove many top level horses. He broke and trained two-year-old World Champion Pacing Colt of 1972, Ricci Reenie Time, 1:56.1. He captured many stakes races with that colt, including the 1973 Adios. Sonny also conditioned and drove World Champion Trotting Filly, Ginger Belle. Other notable horses he conditioned and drove were Golden Money Maker, Gee Lee Hanover, Tarport Joe, Worthy Jimmy, Swaps, Texan Hanover, Panther Hanover, Chin Whiskers and Rays Rough Neck. One mare that was his sentimental favorite was his Open pacing mare, Get Over Lil, whom he conditioned for his daughter Linda. Anyone who was fortunate enough to know Sonny could tell you that his word was his bond and he did business on a handshake. He was a true gentleman and a true horseman. Sonny enjoyed farming when he wasn't training his horses. He loved to get on his tractor and bale hay or plant corn and soybeans. He loved to tend to his garden where he grew far too many vegetables for one man to consume, but he loved giving the vegetables away so that many other people could enjoy them. He also got great joy out of watching his grandson, Joe, carry on the family legacy of driving horses. Sonny leaves behind his beloved children and their spouses, Tommy Dancer (fiancée Jaime Topinka), Barbara Bongiorno (Bob), Linda Condon (Bob), 3 grandchildren who he was extremely proud of, Robert Condon III, Jennifer Bongiorno & Joe Bongiorno, 1 sister, Lois Simpson. He also leaves behind his long-time lady friend, Mary Pullen and his former wife, Sandie Dancer and faithful employee of many years, James (Jim Bob) Doane, Jr. Friends and family are invited to visit on Wed., March 9th, from 4 to 8 PM at the Freeman Funeral home, 47 East Main Street, Freehold. His funeral service will be held Thurs., 9:30 am at the Freeman Funeral Home. Sonny's last trip around Freehold Racetrack will take place approximetly 10:30 am followed by burial at Maplewood Cemetery, Freehold. To leave a condolence or find directions visit www.freemanfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Christian Harness Horseman's Assoc. , 157 North Main Street, Salem, NH 03079 or to the Standardbred Retirement Foundation (adoptahorse.org), 353 Sweetmans Lane, Ste. 101, Millstone, NJ 08535.