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Arthur Arfons Obituary
Arthur E. Arfons, 81, passed away Monday, December 3, 2007.
He was born in Akron. Art was a designer and innovator in motor sports. He is a three time World Land Speed record holder. He held the Unlimited Drag Racing Record and was a champion Tractor Puller. Art was inducted into the Motor Sports Hall of Fame of America, International Drag Racing Hall of Fame, International Motor Sports Hall of Fame, National Tractor Puller Association Hall of Fame and the Summit County Sports Hall of Fame. He was a veteran of the Navy serving in World War II.
Mr. Arfons was preceded in death by son, Ronald. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, June; son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Shari; daughter and son-in-law, Dusty and Randy Spraggins; daughter-in-law Patty Arfons; brother, Walter (Gertrude) Arfons; sister, Lou Wolfe; grandchildren, Sean, Bryan, TJ, Lane, Jake and several great-grandchildren. Art was a beloved husband, dad and grandpa.
Funeral services will be held Thursday 11 a.m. at the Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Funeral Home, 1990 S. Main St. (PLEASE NOTE NEW LOCATION), Rev. Scott Campbell officiating. Interment Mt. Peace Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. (Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz, 330-724-1281, www.kakfh.com) An Anthony Family Funeral Home
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Arthur Arfons
Ron Krill
July 16, 2021
i know this is an old post which i always kept but i figure i say that im sorry he is gone,such a smart man and a thrill to watch him race.
craig green
November 28, 2008
Art was a legend in motorsports and he knew what he was doing when it came to turbine engines. We are sorry that he passed away and we will all miss him very much..
George W Stallard Jr
November 28, 2008
Good luck on your next journey. Goodbye my Friend.
dale belseth
June 17, 2008
I read a book about the Green Monster and Art Arfons back in grade school. I have thought about jet powered vehicles since then. I wish I could have met Mr. Arfons.
Thanks for some great vehicles Mr. Arfons. RIP.
Lisa Winters
April 1, 2008
Dusty and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
jake buehrer
March 16, 2008
this isavery sad thing for me i am arts biggest fan i love his tractors and the truck was cool to
Maureen O'Toole-Work
February 29, 2008
Dear Dusty and Randy,
I am sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. He was a good man and I enjoyed meeting him at the US Hot Rod Tractor Pulls. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care. - Maureen
Dominic Pasqualino
February 27, 2008
The Arfons Family: I just read in the latest Hot Rod magazine of the great loss of Art Arfons. Although I never met him he was truly an inspiration to me. His courage and his mechanical ability was outstanding. I was thrilled to see him interviewed in a TV special on the Speed Channel. I read a book about his life at the public library in the early 70's. I wish I never returned that book! The thing that inspired me the most was that he was a man with sheer determination, courage, hard work, never give up attitude. He had accomplished super human feats. He will never be forgotten.
Karen Pullaro
February 3, 2008
June & kids,
I was shocked to find out that Art had passed away and in reading his obituary found out that Ronnie had passed also. I am so sorry to hear about your lost and my deepest sympathy goes out to you and the family. I was going to make a trip up there last year and never did. I was going to stop in to see you guys, now I wished I would of done it. It is really sad but he lived his life to the fullest, you have to give him credit for that. I'm sure he died with no regrets. May God watch over you and your family and give you strength during this sad time. You now have two angels in heaven watching over you. Take care and I miss you guys! Love Karen
Joy Dies
January 29, 2008
To the Arfons Family:
I am so sorry for your loss. I did not have the pleasure of knowing Mr. Arfons well, but my husband, Ron, worked next door to his shop on Pickle Rd. in the early 90's and always spoke highly of him and his many accomplishments. As secretary of the Springfield Twp. Historical Society, I have kept memorabilia on Art's fascinating life since our founding in 1996 and have dedicated an area of our Society's display case to his memory. He will be missed by all who grew up in this area and were proud to tell people that Springfield Township was the home of Art Arfons and his "Green Monster."
Bruce (Brucie) Leibold
January 11, 2008
Dear Aunt June, Tim, and Dusty, We are so saddened to learn of the deaths of both Art and Ronnie. As you can imagine the news came as a shock to us. We wish you peace and love.
Phil Barr
January 6, 2008
June, Tim, Dusty
Sorry about Art passing. He was a good man. I met Art in the early 70's while I was tractor pulling.
He inspired me to build a Turbine tractor. He also bought my Allison Aircraft Engine in 1978-79 timeframe.
I enjoyed talking with him. He was a genius at building something out of nothing. He has been an inspiration to my sporting career.
I have won 9 World Titles in Snowmobile Racing.
I remember him always saying to me "pay attention to detail to get perfection". Well it has paid off for my operation.
I will pass this on to my Grandson's who are starting to race snowmobiles.
God Bless Art's Family
Thanks for the space.
D Wissinger
December 31, 2007
To the Arfons Family,
My sorrow goes out to you all. My Father was a Great Fan of Art and his machines. He had passed in 1996 as well.
I can remember Art many times at the Richfield Coliseum where I had the chance to get his photograph standing with my father in the 80's.
The memories I will always have for many years to come. Art is a legend to many people in this world and has left a memory for all.
Art's Bravery and Courage for his service in our nation too will never be forgotten. We will never forget his entertaining moments.
Our hearts go out to June, Dusty and Tim.
Richard Coleman
December 22, 2007
I met Art many years ago when I was visiting Mary Glinsky, my mother's sister. He was very gracious to a young fan and allowed me to photograph as much as I wanted. It is through him that i became a rabid land speed racing fan and still am today, 42 years after I first met him. Thanks Art
Renee' Hartman (Lewis)
December 15, 2007
To Art Arfons Family:
I wish to convey my families heartfelt condolences. My father was a Cam-Jammer in Akron. His name was Fred Lewis. He always got a merry little twinkle in his eye when ever he spoke of Art and working on those engines. My brother and I would question him about The Green Monster. About the Allison engines and the land speed record(s). He took us to the Firestone shop one day. They had the Green Monster on display. It was a dragster at that time probably in 1967? Mr. Arfons was so handsome. Always smiling and laughing. He of course shook our hands and showed us all around. He made you feel special just being around him. I feel as though I knew him because of all the stories my dad would tell us. Our whole family was very sadden when Ron had his accident but did not know how to contact you. My father passed away 2 years ago and my mother lives alone up Northeastern Ohio. I do know that if they allow you to race in heaven Fred and Art are turning wrenches again. Braethin' fuel and feelin' the shake. He was truely a great American hero.
David Hamman
December 11, 2007
Very sorry to hear about Art. I remember his work on the "Land Speed Record" using jet engines.
Michael Fabian
December 10, 2007
I have never met Mr. Arfons but have seen his cars & read about his innovations. He has left his mark in society & will be missed.
H. L. Smith
December 10, 2007
To the Art Arfons family: June, Tim, Dusty, Walter and all others of Art’s extended family of friends which he accumulated during his wide and full lifetime.
I have read all the previous guest book messages sent by some of the many people who feel a similar sense of loss as you do right now. I can only fully agree with and echo their most sincere comments. Please, be cheered by knowing that many others would like to have come to you during the last few days, to say or write a few words of sympathy or condolence, but were unable to for many reasons presented by their personal life problems. They may not be physically present with you, but that does not diminish their desire to reach out and touch you with their good and encouraging words and thoughts. The best I can say is for each of you to think about, remember and tell Art’s family and the others about the “good and enjoyable times” that each of you spent with Art and his family. The telling of your good and memorable times (which they may not have known about) may bring a smile, to both you and to their faces and hearts.
A few of my friends and I met Art, Walt and Ed in 1953 to 1955 time frame on the Airport Service Road below Derby Downs while ¼ mile drag racing. In 1955-1956 and later years, we sometimes raced each other in the same classes. I don’t remember all the races or who won which race or who won the most races (most likely he did!). I do remember one race on the Akron airport main runway next to the dirigible hanger in which I won and got the low ET by getting to the timing traps before him, but he went past me about 25-30 mph faster than I was going for the speed record! But those times were a life learning experience and all who participated, as part of the team or as a group, learned and became better individuals because of their association with Art. It was a lot of fun, expensive, required hard working and quick learning, was multi-educational and a great life experience. Later, Art went on to other race tracks, both longer and shorter, both faster and slower. But he left a favorable road mark on both the tracks and the people around him. I went on to other life activities. Now that I think about it, I still miss it.
I and a few of the old friends got to see each other again at Art’s calling hours. These were a few fellows that have not seen each other for over 40 plus years. So, to June and the others, when you next see Art again, tell him “Thank you” for bringing he and some of us old-timers together again, one more time.
Blue Angels-Massillon, OH
Richard Coleman
December 9, 2007
I am so sorry to hear of Art's passing. I had the pleasure of meeting him several times in the mid 60s as a fan and nephew of Mary Glinsky. He was very courteous to a young fan and allowed me to take as many photos as I cared to. He brought those of us who followed the solitary sport of land speed racing much to cheer about. Rest in peace.
Charlie Cartledge
December 9, 2007
To the Arfons family,
Very sorry to hear about Art.He was a great person and I feel priveleged to have met him. He helped me on many occasions during the restoration of my AT-6 aircraft and I enjoyed taking him for a ride when it was completed.He will be missed, Thanks, Charlie
Ruth Whittaker-Brockelman
December 8, 2007
From The Whittakers Ruth,Donna, Beth and Kevin:Neighbors of Art and June-We will always reminder the talks we used to have with Art across our Corn and Strawberry garden in Uniontown,OH-We will miss him dearly.Our thoughts and prayers will be with the family in this time of loss.
Todd Uhl
December 8, 2007
I am sorry for your loss. I will always remember Art and the memories of when he was a part of my life. May God watch over your famly in your time of loss.
Billy Kocher
December 8, 2007
Tim and family,
Sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I only met him once at your shop but feel honored to have met a legend. My condolences go out to you and your family.
Tim Fourman And Family
December 7, 2007
My family would like to say we are sorry for your loss. We watched Mr Arfons pull back in the 70's in Fort Recovery Ohio. He put on an excellent and exciting show. May God be with you all and bring you peace through this trying time.
Karen Schafer
December 7, 2007
When our brother, Garth Hardacre, was racing Art's Jet Vet on a dragstrip in PA., crashed and was killed; a lesser man would have asked someone else to inform the family of the accident. Not Art, he came himself to tell us. That, to us, is the true measure of the man.
Rita (Hardacre) Jubin, Karen (Hardacre) Schafer
Judy Frederick
December 7, 2007
Sorry to hear of Arts passing. What a wonderful era the men of speed gave us. He and my brother Bobby Tatroe made some great memories.
Mike Titus
December 7, 2007
Dusty and family,
I'm sorry to hear of your father's passing.
I went to high school with Dusty and had the opportunity to speak with Art a couple of times. He seemed like a very nice man and I was proud to say that I'd met him.
330-564-3032
cris moledor
December 7, 2007
To the whole family:I remember very little of the Arfons family,but I remember being watched as a child by Ron and Patty,and I remeber Sean and Brian.Very fine family,and I suspect Mr. Arfons had a lot to do with the people and their qaulities they posessed.May God comfort you all.
Buzz Steinbacher
December 7, 2007
To The Arfons Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Art. My thoughts are with you all.
Growing up on Killian Rd. in the 50's & 60's was an extra thrill for a young kid, all because of Art and his family and all the goings on at the mill right around the corner on Pickle Rd. Thank You Arfons Family for sharing Art with all of us!
Bill and Joanne Wallace
December 6, 2007
To Tim, Shari and TJ -
We are so very sorry for the loss of your loved one. Brighter days are ahead and take comfort in knowing that Art made a difference in this world - he made it a better place and his legacy lives on!!
John Flores
December 6, 2007
I remember as a kid in school looking at the records f the fast cars, I learned who Art was. Undeniably on of the great legends of a time long passed. He inspire many and influence agreat many more. My youth vanishes a little bit more today, and thank him fr being a part of it.
Mark Nye
December 6, 2007
Tim and Family,
I am so sorry to hear the sad news about your father. Art was a great inspiration to all of us, his legend will live forever.
Respectfully,
Sharry Parsons
December 6, 2007
I am so sorry for your loss. I went to school with Ronnie... and how he adored his dad! We all did! They both are missed by many.
Kim (Phillips) Price, Eileen Phillips and for my dad Phil Phillips
December 6, 2007
Art, his family and the Green Monster was a huge part of my childhood. My Aunt and Uncle worked for Art, and I was so lucky to be able to go with him to some of his events. My grandmother lived on Killian, and I can remember those days when we would hear that roar and say, "There's Art". My mother and father also knew Art, my dad passed away in 2002, but I will always remember stories being told of the Green Monster.
Kris & Mike Monus
December 6, 2007
Tim, Shari and family,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Vickie Deubner
December 6, 2007
Tim and Family,I'am truly sorry for your loss,Just want you to know Iam Thinking of you and your family.
Vickie Deubner"Arlington Pet Care"
Debbie and Steve Foutty
December 6, 2007
Dusty and Family. You have always been a wonderful person to us and the neighborhood, and I know this kindness must have been passed down from your Dad and Mom. We are so sorry for your loss, and will keep you in our thoughts.
DEREK WOODS
December 6, 2007
Another great character from LAND SPEED record attempts. GODS speed ART ARFONS. Remembered by all your fans in NEW ZEALAND.
IVAN STASA
December 5, 2007
My sincere condolences to all of the family,
Art was one of the kind people who lived racing and speed.
I met Art at Tri-City Nissan many years ago and knowing,who he was, meant lot to me.
As a boy I grew up in Czechoslovakia and one of the book about speed and racing with article about Art as a fastest man on the earth,went with me.
Art was kind enough to signed it. Even thou he did not understand the words,he could not believe that he was known in Europe.I will always treasure this book with his signature...
I new Art also as a customer and everything about him was always pleasant.
People like him will have a special place in my heart and as a racer myself,he will never be forgotten.
Sincerely
Ivan Stasa
Service Manager
Tri-City Nissan
Ron Doan
December 5, 2007
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Arfons' family. I painted a car for the family that was ran on the salt flats and was so proud to have worked with this family and to have had a chance to contribute to their adventures. They are icons of the Akron area and will always be a proud part of Akron's history. Bless all of you and your family and may the Lord grant you comfort and peace and carry you through this time of sorrow.
Sincerely,
Ron and Mary Doan
JIM WASHBURN
December 5, 2007
I worked for him, worked with him and goofed off with him and now that he has passed, a little of me went along. I know one thing, it will be a heck of a ride! JIM WASHBURN & WIFE KATHLEEN VAN ARNAM WASHBURN. Art was also a very good friend of my father-in-law, Dick Van Arnam. Our sincere sympathy.
Carrie Griffin
December 5, 2007
Arfons Family,
You don't know me but my six year old son loved to hear any thing at all about Art Arfons and the Green Monster. He attended Boyer kindergaten last year and insisted that we drive down Pickle Rd so he could just look at Arts garage. He heard of Arts passing on the radio and has been thoughtful of him since. Art was a hero to kids in the 60's, 70's and he still is today. We lost a true pioneer when Art passed. Thanks Art for making kids happy, if you knew them or not. May the love you have for eachother help to ease your grief. God bless him and all of you as well.
Carrie Griffin
Ron Watson
December 5, 2007
Art Arfons, American Motorsports Legend
Art Arfons was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1991. He exemplified the values of innovation and competitive spirit that are central to the mission of the Hall of Fame.
Stories of Art's exploits on the Bonneville Salt Flats have enthralled many visitors over the years, making him one of the most cherished Heroes of Horsepower. His engineering genius, creativity, and unshakable determination established him as a giant in motorsports history.
Now Art Arfons' legend is for the ages. We take great pride in the fact that the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America will be able to celebrate his memory for all generations in the future.
Ron Watson
President
Motorsports Hall of Fame of America
Donnie Thomas
December 5, 2007
Art was a true american innovator. I've rode behind him and Dusty many times down the pulling track. My condolences to the Arfons family, they broke the mold after Art.
Kathleen Tietz
December 5, 2007
I used to babysit Mr. Arfons' grandchildren that lived on Pickle Road.
My sincere condolances to the family.
Kathleen Tietz
Steve Foutty
December 5, 2007
Our prayers are with you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jay Palmer
December 5, 2007
To the Arfons family, our thoughts and prayers will be with you in your loss.
I was fortunate enough to grow up during the Akron Arlen, Hiner and Miller, and many others from the Ohio area. But one name always stand out when you talked about speed. Art Arfons!
I met him quite a few times, and the very first time I remember very well. I was in such AW to be there. I soon found that Art didnt want you to feel that way, and he was just one of the guys that loved speed.
I will never forget the kind soft voice, and that wonderful smile! I was just a local (circle jerk) that didnt think I would be very welcome, but Art changed that right away. What a wonderful man!
Thank you for all the great memories you left me with, you will never be forgotten!
May God bless you and keep you.
Brian Topp
December 5, 2007
Shari, Tim and Family,
Please accept my sincere condolence. Art & The GREEN MONSTER will forever be remembered by many generations and anyone w/ a little High Test fuel in their veins.
Regards,
Brian Topp
Lisa Newsome
December 5, 2007
The Arfons Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
John Nelson
December 5, 2007
Dear Tim:
I am sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. When I think of your Dad, I recall the conversations we would have in Physics class about Firestone versus Goodyear. Then I recall the film you showed that few people knew existed. After that, the serious nature of your Dad's racing across the Salt Flats became very clear. Your Dad was a true pioneer in motor sports and a true hero. May God comfort your heart and know He will continue to watch over you. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Take care my friend.
Sincerely,
John P. Nelson III
Class of '74
Crispin, Linda and Pookie Smith
December 5, 2007
Tim, Shari, T.J. and family,
Linda and I send our sincere condolences on the passing of your father. He was a special man.
Steve Stallard
December 5, 2007
One of the many things I enjoyed as a child was marching in parades because I got to meet my heroes like Art Arfons. He was very nice to all the kids.He always took the time to answer your questions. My condolances to the family of this great man.
Michael Velleca
December 5, 2007
Our hearts go out to you at this time of such great loss. We have lost a true pioneer of motorsports and will never forget what he has given. My father and mother,(Carl Velleca & Joyce Velleca of Coventry Township, Akron, Ohio) knew and loved Art and told us many stories of the engineering feats that he accomplished. We will forever hold a place in our hearts for Art. You will be missed....The Velleca Family.
Rick Stock
December 4, 2007
Growing up in Akron, I had two heroes, my father and Art. When I was nine, my dad took me to Art's garage and that evening Art decided to "test" the Green Monster on Pickle Road. When he fired that Allison engine and disappeared in a long cloud of tire smoke I was hooked! Through the years, I have countless memories of hours spent in that garage watching a genius at work. As I write this, I'm looking at the 1st Place trophy that Art gave me from one of his many wins on the NTPA circuit. Last minute rains at Bonneville had prevented his latest LSR attempt and he called to ask if I wanted to be his "helper" at a few tractor pulls. To this day, that week remains as one of the greatest thrills of my life.
My most sincere condolences to June, Tim, Dusty and the entire Arfons family.
May you rest in peace my friend, you will always be the man.
Rick Pennington
December 4, 2007
I grew up watching and learning about Arts acomplishments. Very sorry to here of his passing.
Sherri Battle
December 4, 2007
Although I don't remember ever meeting Art, I'm sure I did. My grandfather would wow us with stories, and then we'd hear the roar of a big engine, all the way to Woods Rd. I grew up with that sound and it was never an annoyance, someone would just say, "there goes Art again". I miss those sounds of childhood, and peeking around his place on Pickle Rd. trying to see just what wonderful things made those sounds. Art and his legend will live on. My condolences to his family.
Jerry Sample
December 4, 2007
For those of us that love the aircraft engine powered vehicles, Art was the trailblazer that inspired us to pursue our dreams. My condolences to the Arfons family, God Bless you all.
Kellie Chapman
December 4, 2007
My heart felt sympathy is with you Dusty and your entire family. You are a wonderful lady and I'm certain your Dad played a big part in who you are.
your in our prayers.
Love,
Kellie Chapman and Family
Cindy Dolinar
December 4, 2007
My deepest sympathies go out to all who knew this great man. My boyfriend has told me so many wonderful stories about him. Art was a true and genuine man that always took the time to pass his knowledge on to others. Jim Maguire and Mike Tharp used to listen for the sounds of engines firing up down at Arts' place. The two of them would pedal their bicycles as fast as they could when they were little just to press their faces against the fence and see what was goin' on down there. Jim was always the red headed, freckle faced boy that came to see Art and listen to the sounds of those magnificent engines. Art had a great impact on so many people. As many people have written, he may be physically gone , but, his spirit will live forever in the lives he touched. I just bet there is going to be a heck a great race in heaven. I know Art will come in first place! My prayer is that everyone will have comfort in knowing he was such a good man. Cindy Slater Dolinar
Ken Sharp
December 4, 2007
I grew up behind Art's shop. In the 50's it was a feed mill and my mom worked there as a secretary. In the 50's and 60's I watched him testing his cars on Pickle Rd., or going home for lunch in one them or his Indian motorcycle. He was the "coolest" guy I had ever known. And will always be.
But my fondest memories are of Art the man. He was always willing to help a kid with a broken bicycle, or a neighbor that needed something welded. I hung around his shop a lot as a kid and as a young adult until life led me elsewhere. He was always cheerful and friendly and I never heard him say a bad thing about anyone. He will be missed by many.
My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to June, Tim, Dusty, and family. God bless.
Mel&Mary Heckert
December 4, 2007
Art Arfons is a Legend,I had read and heard about him for as long as I could remember. Then when I got acquainted with Ron,at work, boy I thought this is it. May God give you peace of mind with Art and Ron together.
m karle
December 4, 2007
My condolences to you and yours, May God give him a fast race car, he was the best and may he rest in peace
Bill Woodall
December 4, 2007
Art was a true friend,and to me and a genius. I was priviliged to have worked on his land speed attempts through my work at Firestone. The world has lost a unique individual--
Jessie Ferrell
December 4, 2007
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Mike Burg
December 4, 2007
I knew Art since the mid 1960's and never ever heard anyone say a bad word about him. Art was always one to help others. There will never be another like him.
Todd Dross
December 4, 2007
From the smile on my dad's face talking about all the time spent racing in the 50's on Airpoirt Road with Art, the baloney slicer and all their other contraptions... to me and my friends as kids drag racing on the same road 25+ years later like we were "old timers" doing it for the first time.
And from the legends and tales of The Barn and Bonneville, to my times at the Green High tractor pulls and county fairs.
Thanks for making this kid proud of his town and the man that gave us all the drive to see "How fast it will go?", and learn to do it safely. Today I race at a sanctioned LSR venue and still today my dad spins wrenches daily in his garage building his next hotrod.
I want to believe no matter how small, there is a peice of Art's past that is part of the reason me and my dad get along so well and are so in tune with each other today.
They say the beginning date and ending date on a headstone is of little relevance compared to the dash that connects them as that's where the living was done. With that in mind... Art's dash should be very thick on his headstone as he surely lived the dash!
From our family to yours - our sincerest condolences, thoughts, prayers and gratitude....
Jerry, Joanne, Crystal, Shelley, Craig & Todd Dross
From Portage Lakes & Green Township:
358 Bonshire Road
Akron, Ohio 44319
James Pace Jr.
December 4, 2007
Another true American icon is forever gone but never to be forgotten. Art, say "hey" to Evel, Dale, & the rest of 'Motorsports' Heavenly Hero's' for us.
Denise (Frock) Woodworth
December 4, 2007
My deepest sympathies to June, Tim, Dusty and their families. Art will be deeply missed. I am honored to have been able to call him "Uncle" and to grow up knowing such a great person.
Mark & Vicki Blazick
December 4, 2007
Our condolences to the Arfons family. Art was a hero to me and all the kids everywhere. Art had the courage of an astronaut and the desire and dedication to make things better. An American Hero that set a great example for all. I am honored to have met Art.
Mark Coates
December 4, 2007
I had the good fortune to see Art Arfons a number of times.
First with my father at Firestone where he was employed. Later I got to see him with his tractor at Firestone when I was employed there.
He was always very gracious and a perfect gentelman.
I am very sorry for your loss of a great man and Akron ledgond.
Bill Hetler
December 4, 2007
I never met Mr. Arfons, but I was a huge fan of his accomplishments. I was very proud that he kept his center of operations in Summit County, in spite of his world-wide fame. He left a great legacy for other motor racing enthusiasts in the Akron area and around the world.
douglas adams
December 4, 2007
many condolences to the family.he will be missed greatly.mr.arfons was one of my "heroes" growing up.his efforts and accomplishments in motorsports is what led many of us to become "motorheads".
Bonita Byrd (Gressley)
December 4, 2007
Tim and family - So sorry to hear of your father's passing. My sympathy goes out to you and your family. Your dad will always be a part of my Springfield Township history. Your gradeschool friend,
Ron Harris
December 4, 2007
I met Art for the first time when I was 18. My good friend Mike Suchka introduced me, when he went to buy his first turbine engine from Art. To this day, Art stands out as one of the nicest people I have ever met. He took us to his house and we watched home movies of his travels to the Salt Flats and some early parades. He was happy to answer questions from a young man building his first turbine powered car, and he always flashed that smile when you came to visit. A good person has left us, but we will never forget him. My heartfelt condolences to Art's family. He will be missed by many.
Vicki Nolf
December 4, 2007
I just toured the museum of Big Daddy Don Garlets and was happy to see articles on Art, I grew up in Springfield and remember him bringing race cars to Milroy school as well as watching his racing over the years. I am so sorry for your loss, he was a great person.
ROBERT MCKINNEY
December 4, 2007
ART WAS MY BOYHOOD HERO. I WOULD VISIT MY COUSINS WHO LIVED NEAR HIM AND HE WOULD TAKE TIME TO EXPLAIN ALL ABOUT THE AIRPLANE ENGINES HE STARTED WITH. LATER HE WOULD BATTLE CRAIG BREEDLOVE BACK N FORTH. HE WAS A YOUNG BOYS SUPERMAN AND A DAREDEVIL. ITS A SHAME WE LOST BOTH ART AND EVIL IN A WEEK GOD MUST HAVE THE NEED FOR SPEED. MY DEEPEST CONDOLANCES TO THE ARFONS FAMILY ART WILL FOREVER LIVE IN OUR HEARTS N MINDS GOD BLESS. HE WILL ALWAYS BE MY HERO. A REAL LIFE ONE. ROBERT B MCKINNEY JR
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How to support Arthur's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
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Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
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What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
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The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Arthur Arfons's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
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