Dale C. Hall

1942 - 2016

Dale C. "Tut" Hall, 73, of Granby, CT, died peacefully on Monday, May 23, 2016. He was the beloved husband of Justine (Zaverton) Hall with whom he shared 49 years of marriage. Born on November 27, 1942, Dale was the youngest son of the late Elmer C. Hall and Esther Shepard, of Simsbury, CT. Dale was exceedingly proud of the accomplishments of both his children. He leaves a son, Scott Hall and wife Sandy, of Ledyard, CT; and a daughter, Lisa Gruner and husband Jason, of Chappaquiddick, MA. He also leaves a precious granddaughter, Ella Gruner. Dale is survived by his sister, Beverly Inman and her husband Stan, of Simsbury, CT; brother, David C. Hall, of New Hartford, CT; brother-in-law, William Benbow, of Winsted, CT; brother in-law and sister-in-law, Bill and Karen Zaverton, of Westbrook, CT; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his oldest sister, Shirley Benbow; and sister-in-law, Harriett Hall. At a very young age, on his Grandfather Clifford Shepard's farm in Simsbury, Dale had an uncanny ability to figure out how cars and engines ran. His high school yearbook aptly described him: "It took four spools and an old tin can and gosh by heck the darn thing ran." This was the beginning of Dale's lifelong career of engine building. He graduated from Simsbury High School in 1960 and attended General Motors Technical Center soon after. In 1963, he took employment at Richard Daniels Cadillac in Hartford, CT, as a mechanic. Dale opened Precision Automotive in Simsbury, CT, in 1974 with business partner Norman Case. They specialized in engine machining, assembly, and development. They ranged in applications spanning OEM rebuilds to Drag Racing, Oval Track, and High End restorations. Dale built engines for customers locally and worldwide. Precision Automotive was in business for over 40 years. Dale spent most of his life racing cars, but had a short period of time racing motorcycles and oval track boats. In 1968, Dale sold his 1940 Chevy and with friends Norman Case and Fred Krahl, built their first Nitro powered front engine dragster. They had much success over the next 20 years together with 4 NHRA National Event wins, 8 Runners-up, and two NHRA Division One titles. What made Dale's success even more impressive was a long line of Blown Alcohol Small Block Chevy engines that defined his career, reputation in the industry, and in business. Dale retired from driving in 1996. Along with racing, Dale was an avid golfer, and was as good a carpenter as he was an engine assembler. Dale built several additions onto their home in Granby including a sun porch and barn, and made custom furniture. Dale was also involved in designing and building their summer home on Martha's Vineyard in 1983, in which he enjoyed many years vacationing at the ocean and eating Justine's famous stuffed clams. One of Dale's greatest projects was the restoration of a 1937 Chevy Master Coupe. While keeping its production appearance, Dale added much of his automotive creativity to the car with race inspired suspension and lots of horsepower. This classic car had seen countless miles during weekend drives and car shows. Dale also acquired his private pilot's license and flew his Cherokee 235 for 17 years. This enabled him to be an active member, and later President, of the Simsbury Airport Flying Club. His last active years were spent traveling the country with Justine. Retirement gave him the opportunity to fulfill his desire of seeing America in a RV. Dale was always willing to help others with any projects or advice they needed, and was respected in his community and the industry he devoted his life to. He always felt a great reward having met so many people in his life and gained relationships that he valued so much. Dale had a very patient and thoughtful demeanor, and he and his wife Justine have maintained many strong friendships throughout their lives. Through Dale's courageous battle with his illness, his strength, and his spirit would always shine through. His family will receive friends on Thursday, May 26, 2016, from 4 - 7 pm, with a time of sharing at 5:30 pm, at Hayes-Huling & Carmon Funeral Home, 364 Salmon Brook St, Granby, CT 06035. The family would like to give heartfelt thanks to McLean's and the many caregivers who provided comfort and care to Dale and his family throughout his illness. In lieu of flowers, please honor Dale by making donations to either the Alzheimer's Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011, or McLean Development, c/o/ McLean Memory Care, 75 Great Pond Rd, Simsbury, CT 06070. To leave on-line condolences please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com