Loving family man and racehorse owner

Sonny Usdan was a man of diverse interests, who loved his family and became involved in the communities where he lived.

After a long battle with multiple health issues, Usdan died on June 12. He was 85.

Born Nathaniel Zevi Usdan on Oct. 4, 1927, the Lawrence native was the youngest of six children and was known to all as Sonny. He was a resident of Hewlett Neck and also lived in Palm Beach Gardens, Fl.

His family said he was the epitome of a husband, father, grandfather, son-in-law and father-in-law. He was often referred to as the “mayor” at the places he frequented, such as Frenchman’s Creek or St. Maarten.

He loved the beach, the stock market and the Perfect Thread Company, yet his biggest passion horse racing. An owner of multiple thoroughbreds, Usdan was well known around Aqueduct, Belmont Park and Saratoga race tracks..

“Sonny was always there for his wife, children and grandchildren; he never failed us,” said his daughter Debbie Breitman. “He was our best friend, our role model, our daddy and our popup.”

The retired textile manufacturer and his wife, Peggy, were noted in a 2004 New York Times article for eating at La Viola in Cedarhurst every night for half the year. La Viola closed last year. Usdan and Peggy were married for 60 years.

Besides his daughter and wife, Usdan is survived by his son Marc Usdan and grandchildren Michael, Joanna, Gregory, Blake and Melissa, son-in law Jimmy and sister Cecil Garson.

Donations can be sent in honor of him to the Hospice of Palm Beach County, Florida located at 5300 East Ave. in West Palm Beach.