Biography
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Written by Chris Romano
Gene’s tenure in NEMA lasted for thirty years, marked by fourteen championships, well over one hundred race wins, a seven year stint as president, and club cheerleader. I’ve always likened Gene to former New York mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia, a fireplug of a character with boundless energy and passion. When LaGuardia died his obituary in the New York Times read that while he got things done sometimes in a swirl of controversy, he got them done. The same could be said about Gene. You didn’t always agree with him, but you certainly knew where he stood. Gene’s legacy transcends more than NEMA. Along with way he picked up an ARDC championship, and his #45 Dumo’s Desire midget raced everwhere from Florida to Arizona to Colorado. Gene had the means to field almost any type of race car, even on a national level, but his heart was forever with NEMA and the midgets. |
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While you can look back on the Angelillo years in NEMA and think that the team dominated the competition, in truth there were few years where the team outscored the competition when it came to race wins. They were, however, very consistent, and Gene was fearless when it came to trying new engine technologies. That commitment to innovation sometimes cost the team over the course of a season, but they were in it for the long game.
Racing royalty drove Gene’s cars, from Modified standouts Ted Christopher and Jimmy Broderick to Supermodified veterans like Joe Gosek, but I’ll leave it to Gene’s champions to tell his story...
Drew Fornoro:
“The thing that made us a winning team was that we pretty much had the same guys for all those years. After about 2 years we didn't even have to talk; Gene knew by my looking at him that the car was mint. We were more like brothers than owner and driver. He was my daughter Marie's Godfather.
Racing royalty drove Gene’s cars, from Modified standouts Ted Christopher and Jimmy Broderick to Supermodified veterans like Joe Gosek, but I’ll leave it to Gene’s champions to tell his story...
Drew Fornoro:
“The thing that made us a winning team was that we pretty much had the same guys for all those years. After about 2 years we didn't even have to talk; Gene knew by my looking at him that the car was mint. We were more like brothers than owner and driver. He was my daughter Marie's Godfather.
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He was very superstitious although he would say he wasn't. I found a dime on the ground at the sign in booth at Flemington and gave it to him; never said a word, just gave it to him. We won the 100 lapper that night. I’m pretty sure it was the last 100 lap race in the East. I even put a dime in his casket, and also a flash light that he wanted because he was scared of the dark.
We did all kinds of stuff. We went fishing in Lake Ontario and he even went hunting with me and Nokie in New Jersey. When the shooting started he was laying on the ground yelling ‘Get me the hell out of here!’ I thought Nokie and I would wet our pants laughing. I could go on forever about all the things we did. Great memories.” |
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Joey Payne:
“Gene was one of a kind. The Angelillo name is NEMA. The best race I ever had with him was at Thompson in 2000 when I won his 100th NEMA feature win. The engine was running like crap. When the race started he gave me that sign drive it till it blows up. It was a big accomplishment winning a championship for Gene and an even bigger one being the last driver to get the famed 45 his last ever owners championship. We can’t honor Gene without remembering his wife Marilyn. She was just as much responsible for the success of the team. My family misses them both; it’s not the same without them. |
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I wish so bad Gene got to see my son Anthony win the NEMA Lites Championship last year. He carries Gene’s funeral card in the cars he races. Gene loved Anthony and I’m sure he was smiling down at us. When the checkered fell it was like a blizzard and I now know how and why it snowed!”
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Russ Stoehr:
“I had the privilege of competing against Gene’s team for a number of years. Eventually Bruce Beane and myself found ourselves competing at the same level as the Dumo’s Desire team, but we always found Gene and his guys to be gentlemen to us. There came a time when I was chosen to be the driver of the 45 and we had a great amount of success, but more importantly I was able to witness a side of Gene that can only come from being his driver. His and Mar’s passion for racing and NEMA was unparalleled. I was truly honored to be their driver, with all the good teammates focused on winning. After he passed I was honored to win the final championship for the crew and memories of Both Gene and Mar.” |
My own memories of Gene span from 1985 through 2001. Gene was never better than when he was holding court after a race or after a championship banquet, cigar in one hand, adult beverage in the other. Listening to him was an education. He told the story of he and his dad’s first foray into racing, in 1968 with a Sprint Car driven by Connnecticut’s own Johnny Kay. But after a season his dad parked the Sprint Car because he wasn’t going to take money away from his business to go racing. “That taught me an important lesson,” said Gene, and the next time he went racing he was also a successful businessman, eventually selling his business to a national company in 1986.
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That year was a challenging one for Gene. Over the winter he lost a leg due to health issues. He told his doctors that there was a race at Pocono in April and he was going to walk in the pits. His doctor’s didn’t think that was realistic and tried to adjust Gene’s expectations. Gene walked into Pocono. But the experience gave him another perspective; “Life,” he said, “is so fragile.” His drivers were right in acknowledging the women in Gene’s life; wife Marilyn, daughter Laura, and the grandchildren. As much as Gene loved NEMA, he loved those women far more. Marilyn was Gene’s partner in life and business, working alongside him as Secretary of NEMA. But, Marilyn was more than just an office holder, she was our den mother, looking out for everyone. Laura grew up in NEMA, becoming a scorer and taking over the mantle of car owner, in addition to becoming a highly successful lawyer. When Marilyn passed away Gene was devastated, and I think NEMA and continuing to race helped pull him back from the abyss of grief.
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Pete Zenardi, Chris Romano, and Gene at Oswego in 2000.
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Gene joined Marilyn in 2010. Laura carried on the tradition of the #45, Dumo’s Desire and Marilyn’s Passion for one more championship with Russ Stoehr. The #45 may not be on track anymore, but Gene’s legacy lives on, and forever.
More About Gene & Mar...
- He dedicated his midget racing efforts to his Dad, Domenic "Dumo" Angelillo, because his father had always wanted to race midgets but never did, hence the inscription "Dumo's Desire" on everyone of his race cars.
- He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, having served during the Korean War.
- He was the founder and president of Sanitary Refuse Company of Waterbury, Connecticut, for over 25 years retiring in 1988 when he sold the company.
- Johnny Kay, who was Dumo's former sprint car driver, convinced Gene to go midget racing with a car they secured in a pouring rain storm at Cleveland Airport prior to the 1980 season.
- Marilyn suggested they number the midget "45" since it was Gene's age at the time they went midget racing.
- Gene's first win came August 2nd 1981 at Hudson International Speedway after a mid-season driver change to Drew Fornoro, a race which included a pit stop to change a flat tire. The spare was donated from the Scrivani car driven by Nokie.
- Gene debuted his first badger in 1986 with a Mazda Rotary power-plant. The car was so dominant, that it led to the banning of the motor (based on an opinion that it's displacement could not be measured). Gene replaced the Mazda with a Pontiac and continued to win.
- In addition to an unprecedented 14 NEMA Owner Championship's, and 107 NEMA feature wins, he earned an ARDC Championship and 5 feature wins across the country.
- Gene and driver, Drew Fornoro, established arguably the most successful Owner/Driver combination in not only NEMA, but the history of midget racing.
- In addition to the countless major victories, Gene and Drew won the last midget race ever to be held at Pocono International Speedway.
- His beloved wife and partner, Marilyn, passed away in September of 2007 after a courageous battle with cancer.
- Marilyn and Gene served this club as President and Secretary passionately for seven consecutive racing seasons.
- Gene earned NEMA's Perfect Attendance award every racing season from 1980-2009 with the exception of just a few.
- Gene was inducted into the Dick Gallagher Memorial Hall of Fame in 2006 along side one of his primary shoes, Russ Stoehr, who brought Gene three championships between 2000 and 2002.
- NEMA hosts the Angelillo Memorial Race each year in memory of both Gene and Marilyn.
- Gene was inducted into the New England Antique Racers (NEAR) Hall of Fame in 2006 along side open wheel legend, Johnny Kay, who brought Gene's father a sprint car victory at Stafford in 1968, and who convinced Gene to race midgets years later.
A Tribute to his Soulmate...
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In honor of one of this club's most passionate and loved members, Gene, his daughter Laura Kibbe ,and NEMA established the annual Marilyn's Passion race in 2009. The first race was held at Monadnock and was won by Greg Stoehr. Russ Stoehr drove the Angelillo machine to 3rd. Drew Fornoro came out of retirement to drive the famed Seymour #29 for this emotional race and finished 4th. Former drivers of Marilyn's where also in the field, including Nokie Fornoro and Ted Christopher, finishing 6th and 7th respectively.
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Gene & Marilyn's Drivers...
Many great drivers have graced the seat of the famous Dumo's Desire machines.
To the best of our knowledge, here is a complete list of those fortunate men:
To the best of our knowledge, here is a complete list of those fortunate men:
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Johnny Kay
Billy Hughes Butch Walsh Drew Fornoro Russ Stoehr Joey Payne Joe Gosek Nokie Fornoro |
Reggie Ruggiero
Jack Giannini Lou Rettenmier Phil Dimario Ted Christopher Lou Cicconi Russ Wood Chris Perley |
Time Line
Gene's legacy is so immense, it is only fitting that we share a chronological history of his incredible racing career...
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1980
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Driver: Johnny Kay
Finish: 10th Owner/Driver Highlights: 5 top-ten finishes, best 3rd Chassis/Engine: #45 Edmunds VW Note: 1st season with NEMA |
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1981
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Driver: Johnny Kay/Drew Fornoro
Finish: 3rd place Owner/ 7th place Driver Highlights: First win at Hudson Speedway Chassis/Engine: #45 Edmunds VW Note: Changed drivers mid-season |
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1982
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Driver: Drew Fornoro
Finish: 2nd place Owner & Driver Highlights: 8 wins, 14 top-five finishes Chassis/Engine: #45 Edmunds VW Awards: Oxford Plains Sportsmanship Award Note: Canadian movie race |
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1983
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Driver: Drew Fornoro
Finish: Champion Owner & Driver Highlights: 8 wins, 13 top-five finishes Chassis/Engine: #45 Edmunds VW Awards: Mechanic of the Year Note: Contest Board Member |
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1984
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Driver: Drew Fornoro
Finish: 6th place Owner/Driver Highlights: 4 wins, 8 top-five finishes Chassis/Engine: #1 Edmunds VW Note: Contest Board Member, ARDC Champion Owner |
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1985
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Driver: Drew Fornoro
Finish: Champion Owner & Driver Highlights: 7 wins, 19 top-five finishes Chassis/Engine: #45 Edmunds Mazda Note: Finished every NEMA race in top five |
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1986
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Driver: Drew Fornoro
Finish: Champions Owner & Driver Highlights: 4 wins, 13 top-five finishes Chassis/Engine: #1 Badger Mazda Awards: Mechanic of the Year Note: - |
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1987
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Driver: Drew Fornoro
Finish: 2nd place Owner/ 3rd place Driver Highlights: 4 wins, 16 top-five finishes Chassis/Engine: #1 Badger Nissan Awards: Johnny Thomson Memorial Note: Contest Board Member |
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1988
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Driver: Drew Fornoro
Finish: Champions Owner & Driver Highlights: 7 wins, 16 top-five finishes Chassis/Engine: #45 Badger Pontiac Awards: Mechanic of the Year |
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1989
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Driver: Drew Fornoro
Finish: Champions Owner & Driver Highlights: 7 wins, 16 top-five finishes Chassis/Engine: #1 Badger Pontiac Awards: Mechanic of the Year Note: 1 of 4 cars the Angelillo Team fielded this year |
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Driver: Lou Rettenmeir
Finish: 9th place Driver Highlights: 8 top-ten finishes Chassis/Engine: #59 Badger Nissan Awards: Ed Clothier Rookie of the Year Note: Gene's car |
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Drivers: Lou Rettenmeir, Jack Giannini, Reggie Ruggerio, Nokie Fornoro
Finish: 8th place Owner Highlights: 1 win (Nokie) Chassis/Engine: #45 Lindblad Pontiac Note: Marilyn's car |
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1990
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Driver: Drew Fornoro / Nokie Fornoro
Finish: Champions Owner / 9th place driver Highlights: 4 wins, 7 top-five finishes Chassis/Engine: #45 Lindblad Pontiac Awards: - Note: - |
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1991
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Driver: Drew Fornoro / Joey Payne
Finish: 2nd Place Owner / 25th place driver Highlights: 15 top-ten finishes Chassis/Engine: #1 Reider Pontiac Awards: - Note: Marilyn owned #45 Lindblad Pontiac |
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1992
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Driver: Drew Fornoro / Nokie Fornoro
Finish: Champions Owner / 9th place driver Highlights: 4 wins, 7 top-five finishes Chassis/Engine: #45 Lindblad Pontiac Awards: - Note: - |
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1993
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Driver: Drew Fornoro
Finish: 4th place Owner / 3rd place Driver Highlights: 1 win, 9 top-ten finishes Chassis/Engine: Lindblad / Hawk Gaerte Awards: - Note: - |
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1994
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Driver: Drew Fornoro
Finish: 3rd place Owner & Driver Highlights: 8 top-five finishes Chassis/Engine: #45 Hawk Gaerte Awards: - Note: Contest Board Member |
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1995
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Driver: Drew Fornoro
Finish: 2nd place Owner / Champion Driver Highlights: 4 wins, 11 top-five finishes Chassis/Engine: #45 Hawk Gaerte Note: President, Marilyn elected Secretary (thru 2002), Marilyn owned #45 Hawk Gaerte |
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1996
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Driver: Drew Fornoro
Finish: Champion Owner / Champion Driver Highlights: 4 wins, 10 top-five finishes Chassis/Engine: #45 Hawk Gaerte Awards: - Note: President, Marilyn owned #45a Hawk Gaerte |
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1997
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Driver: Drew Fornoro (Nokie Fornoro 1 race)
Finish: 2nd place Owner & Driver Highlights: 2 wins, 9 top-five finishes Chassis/Engine: #45 Hawk Gaerte Awards: - Note: President, Marilyn owned #45a Hawk Gaerte |
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1998
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Driver: Drew Fornoro
Finish: Champion Owner & Driver Highlights: 5 wins, 12 top-ten finishes Chassis/Engine: #45 Hawk Gaerte Awards: Wen Kelley Memorial Note: President, Marilyn owned #45a Hawk Gaerte |
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1999
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Driver: Drew Fornoro
Finish: Champion Owner & Driver Highlights: 3 wins, 12 top-five finishes Chassis/Engine: #45 Hawk Gaerte Awards: - Note: President, Marilyn owned #45a Hawk Gaerte |
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2000
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Driver: Russ Stoehr
Finish: Champion Owner & Driver Highlights: 4 wins, 9 top-five finishes Chassis/Engine: #45 Hawk Gaerte Note: President, Marilyn owned #45a Hawk Gaerte |
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2001
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Driver: Russ Stoehr
Finish: Champion Owner & Driver Highlights: 3 wins, 13 top-ten finishes Chassis/Engine: #45 Hawk Gaerte Awards: Joe Fiore Mechanic of the Year Note: President |
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2002
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Driver: Russ Stoehr
Finish: Champion Owner & Driver Highlights: 2 wins, 12 top-five finishes Chassis/Engine: #45 Hawk Gaerte Note: President |
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2003
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Driver: Joey Payne
Finish: Champion Owner & Driver Highlights: 4 wins, 12 top-five finishes Chassis/Engine: #45 Beast Gaerte Awards: Mechanic of the Year |
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2004
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Driver: Joey Payne
Finish: 3rd place Owner & Driver Highlights: 2 wins, 11 top-ten finishes Chassis/Engine: #45 Beast Gaerte Awards: NEMA Lifetime Member |
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2005
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Driver: Joey Payne
Finish: Champion Owner / 2nd place Driver Highlights: 3 wins, 13 top-five finishes Chassis/Engine: #45 Beast Gaerte Award: NEAR Hall of Fame Note: Gene's last Championship |
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2006
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Driver: Joey Payne
Finish: 14th place Owner / 4th place Driver Highlights: 2 wins, 7 top-five finishes Chassis/Engine: #45 Beast Gaerte Note: Mid-season chassis change due to wreck |
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2007
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Driver: Joey Payne
Finish: 2nd place Owner / 2nd place Driver Highlights: 2 wins, 13 top-ten finishes Chassis/Engine: #45 Beast Esslinger Note: Marilyn passed away September 4th |
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2008
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Driver: Joey Payne
Finish: 3rd place Owner / 2nd place Driver Highlights: 1 wins, 11 top-five finishes Chassis/Engine: #45 Beast Esslinger Note: Woody Pitkat drove 1 race |
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2009
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Driver: Russ Stoehr
Finish: 4th place Owner & Driver Highlights: 1 win, 11 top-ten finishes Chassis/Engine: #45 Beast Esslinger Note: Gene's last victory at Waterford on August 15th |
September 11, 2010 Russ wins one for Gene and Mar, the inaugural Angelillo Memorial.
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2010
Laura Kibbe continued her family's legacy along with driver, Russ Stoehr, and the Dumo's Desire crew including Joe Fiore, Kurt Kiermont, Jim Zukauskas, Scott Law, Jack Giannini, her lovely daughers, and others. The car was re-lettered with "Gene & Marilyn's Passion" ...The result was a Championship!
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More Photos from the 1980's
More Photos from the1990's
More Photos from the 2000's
Yearbook Covers
No other team has graced the cover of the annual NEMA yearbook and program more than the famous Dumo's Desire...
Goodbye Old Friend
Remembering Gene
"I helped Gene and Johnny for weeks then Gene begged me to take the car out on track for a warm up. I did at Westboro and don't know HOW Johnny Kay could keep it straight!! Alot wrong but made it better. HOUNDED Gene for another couple weeks about my brother, Drew, as he was looking to CHANGE DRIVER soon! With Iron Mike & Little Mike Scrivani he finally let Drew drive... The rest is NEMA HISTORY!! FOR BOTH! Great team and FUN TIMES!!"....Nokie Fornoro
"As much as Gene and I had our disagreements - I learned that once you earned his respect, you were golden forever. His last few years, I got the nightly invite to the camper for a drink of my choice. I miss Gene and the whole 45 team - there was a competitive spirit they brought that the sport lacks today. RIP"....Tim Bertrand
"Gene was a true Gentleman who is missed by many."....Ed Duncan
"I'll never forget the first time Gene called me over to his trailer at Waterford I was nervous and couldn't imagine what he wanted. He wanted to ask me if I would do a match race at Monadnock with Erica for Marilyn's memorial because she used to cheer for the females. I was honored to be able to do it for Gene and Marilyn."....Abby Hewitt
"When I started out racing, Gene helped me greatly. I even purchased his old open wheel trailer and he gave me such a deal on it. Racing will miss him."....Fremont Dickerman
"Two of the greatest people I have ever met in racing and in normal life ! He treated me like family the first time I meet him and both will always be missed!"....Rich Tolerico
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