LEWISTON – Robert Lee Truitt Sr., 69, of 77 Strawberry Ave., Lewiston, died Thursday, Feb. 3, at Central Maine Medical Center after a brief illness.

Born in Libertytown, Md., April 21, 1935, a son of John and Clarabelle Truitt, he was educated in Maryland schools.

He was married to the former Irene Hadakin, who died Aug. 21, 1996.

He worked in the harness horseracing industry all of his life beginning in Maryland.

He moved to Maine in 1954 and continued a long and successful career as owner, driver and trainer of race horses.

He enjoyed and valued his occupation and the people he worked with. He was a member of the Maine Harness Horseman’s Association and the United States Trotter’s Association. Until his death, he worked for A. MacDonald and Son Racing Stables.

He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, training horses and gardening. He cherished his dearest friend and companion, Joanne, and together they enjoyed spending time with one another, their friends and families. He was a wonderful man who simply loved life.

He is survived by his loving companion Joanne Vetro of Buxton; a daughter, Stacia Fitch and her husband, Jack, of Raymond; three sons, Mark Lee Truitt of Lewiston, Robert L. Truitt Jr. and wife, Lorraine, of North Turner, David L. Truitt of New York; three grandchildren, Ryan Fitch and his wife, Jami, Robert Lee Truitt III, Jesse T. Truitt; a sister, Norma Lee Elliott of Salisbury, Md.; a brother, Charles Lee Truitt of Milsboro, Dela.

He was predeceased by a sister, Betty Ann Truitt, and two brothers, Peter and John Truitt.

Copy the Story Link