Pennsylvania owner/breeder and Parx Racing Hall of Famer Salvatore DeBunda died peacefully July 9 at 83.
Racing under his own name or as Dun Roamin Farm, and often with partners, DeBunda campaigned stakes winners Collegeville Girl, Discreet Senorita, Great Lookinblonde, and Sinceilostmybaby. Dun Roamin also campaigned eventual grade 1 winner Roamin Rachel for her first three starts, including a victory in the Bonnie Leaf Stakes.
DeBunda also bred three stakes winners: Great Lookinblonde, Discreet Senorita, and Senor Cielo Two—the latter two in partnership with Rosemore Farms.
DeBunda was president of the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association for 1995-2022 and a commissioner on the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission until his death. As counsel for the PTHA, DeBunda was the primary drafter of the horsemen's sections of the Pennsylvania Slot Bill signed in July 2004.
In 1992, DeBunda founded the television show "Let's Go Racing" and was executive producer of the weekly program.
Born in Philadelphia in 1943, DeBunda graduated from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 1965 and the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1968. He was a co-managing partner at Archer & Greiner law firm. He was also on the board of directors and president of the Longport Seaview Condo Association and on the board of directors and chairman of the Philly Pops.
According to an online obituary, DeBunda's family will receive relatives, friends, and colleagues from 9:30-10:30 a.m. ET July 17, followed by a mass for Christian burial at 10:30 a.m. in Saint Helena Church, 1489 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell, Pa. The family requests memorial contributions to the charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.
