Charles J. Cella, longtime president and chairman of the board of Oaklawn Jockey Club, has died of complications from Parkinson’s disease, Oaklawn said Wednesday morning in a news release.
According to his sons John and Louis Cella, Cella was at home in St. Louis, surrounded by family. He was 81.
Cella took the reins of Oaklawn in 1968. In addition to Oaklawn, Cella was president of Southwestern Enterprises Inc. and Southern Real Estate and Financial Co. He also owned and raced numerous notable thoroughbreds, including 1995 Breeders’ Cup Turf champion Northern Spur, the release said.
Survivors include his two sons and a daughter, Harriet Marshall, and 8 grandchildren.
The Cella family released the following statement:
“At this time of great sadness for our family, we find comfort in knowing that one of the great joys in his life was seeing Oaklawn develop into a national treasure with such a significant economic impact on Arkansas. In addition to the holidays with his family, his favorite time of the year was always the Oaklawn racing season with fans, horsemen and staff.”
Arrangements will be announced when finalized.