Michael Pizzolla R.I.P.

[Ted Craven]

I received this notice by email -

Dear ValueCapper and Friend, It is with the deepest regret that I inform you all of the passing of our teacher, our mentor, and our dear friend, the inimitable Michael J. Pizzolla. Though he had warned of health issues earlier this summer, this news has been a terrible shock to those near him, as I'm sure it is to all of you. I would humbly ask that we all keep Michael, his wife Kim, his mother Rose, and brother Anthony in our thoughts and prayers. At a time like this, it is difficult to put into words the emotions we are all feeling. I personally take solace in knowing that I am a better person for having known and worked with Michael. Yes, I learned a lot about the art of ValueCapping horse races, but I learned far more from him about ValueCapping the game of life: thinking unconventionally, asking the right -- and sometimes controversial -- questions, and insisting that the reward outweigh the risk. More will be said in the days ahead, but please know Michael's wish was for this community he built to continue on, long after he had gone. We have lost the irreplaceable, so it is up to us to carry the torch he has lit, fueled by the wisdom he has imparted to us. Craig Micallef

Regardless of one's past relationship with Michael or his later (mis)adventures with Doc Sartin et al, and whether one used his software or handicapping concepts - he has to be considered one of the game's premier teachers and enthusiastic promoters. Many will mourn his passing. My condolences to his family and many admirers. Rest in peace - Michael Pizzolla.

Ted

[gandalf380]

R.I.P Michael. I always found him entertaining and his ideas interesting.

[omar]

Sad news. Always liked his seminars, teachings and programs. R. I. P. my friend.

[shoeless]

I was sad to hear of his passing. I had texted him on many occasions
about stuff related to the Methodology and he was always willing to
give me a answer.

His book Handicapping Magic was one of the best .


Jeff

[trotman]

I was shocked when I received the news of Michael's passing. We were close friends for over 40 years. We shared many a cigar with a scotch discussing handicapping and life in general. His ideas and mantra of "Let The Bet Make You" changed the minds and thought process of many handicappers and made them better handicappers. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Kim, mother Rose, and brother Anthony. A few years back I had a serious medical procedure and Michael was there for encouragement and yet he never mentioned to me that he had some alarming news about his own health this past summer. My Good Friend you will be sadly missed but never forgotten, R.I.P Michael until we meet again.

[shoeless]

Sorry to hear that Trotman sounds like you lost a great friend.

I wish I would have met him we had texted from time to time and
always answered my questions which were about the Methodology.
I always thought that was very nice of him to do so

Jeff

[polambi]

I never got to meet him, but at some point I was curious about his Black Magic software. So, I did watch a couple of his videos where he described it passionately.
He said he loved teaching. That said a lot about him. He will definitely be missed. May he rest in peace.

[kahunab]

Rest in Peace Michael! His rants before big races were always fun to watch. His enthusiasm and excitement about horse racing and handicapping were contagious. He will be missed.

[shoeless]

I just hope Michael is remembered for his contributions to handicapping and not for allegations of what he did to Doc Sartin

[wbigtummy]

I have no idea of what he supposedly did to Doc Sartin. What was it?