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Jack Arute Obituary
ARUTE, Jack Jack Arute, 78, of Bedford, died at his home on Monday (April 3, 2006). He was born in New Britain on October 22, 1927 the son of Jack R. and Dora Arute. He was also raised and educated in New Britain. He was the owner of Arute Brothers Construction (a large road construction company) in New Britain. He was the owner of Jack Arute's Stafford Motor Speedway in Stafford Springs. He was the recipient of the Connecticut Sports Writer's "Gold Key Award" in 1998, as well as being inducted into the New England Antique Racer's Hall of Fame, Class of 2001. He was a life long racing enthusiast, and a pioneer of NASCAR modified racing. In his retirement, Jack and Evelyn traveled extensively in their motor home. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Evelyn L. (Lavoie) Arute of Bedford; six sons, Jackie Arute and his wife Wendy of Suffield, David Arute and his wife Jane of Southington, Mark Arute and his wife Lisa of Tolland, Wayne Arute and his wife Lori of Avon, Robert Arute and his wife Tammy of Tolland, and Dan Arute and his wife Michelle of Bedford, NH; a daughter, Heidi Howarth and her husband Douglas of Pepperell, MA; Grandchildren include Jennifer (Jones) , Amanda, Paul, David, Kristin, Sarah, Alexandra and Victoria; three great grandchildren; Evan, Nate and Jason Jones as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive him. Calling hours are Thursday April 6th from 2-4 and7-9 p.m. at The Phaneuf Funeral Home & Crematory 243 Hanover Street Manchester. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday April 7th at 11 a.m at St. Elizabeth Seaton Church in Bedford. Burial will follow in Bedford Center Cemetery in Bedford. In-lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to: Patient Services Fund 1050 Perimeter Road Suite 501 Manchester, NH 03103. Please visit www.phaneuf.net for directions, or to sign the on-line register book.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jack Arute
anthony cardoza
April 13, 2006
Dear Jackie:
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your father. He built a dynasty!
God bless you and your family, our prayers are with you!
Love,
Anthony & Jamie Cardoza
Hollywood Pit Stop
Jack Mixey
April 8, 2006
My deepest sympathy to the Arute family on the loss of their father. I worked for Jack for about 15 years in his construction co. Jack was not only my boss he was also a friend.He was never afraid to take a chance on you.If you worked for him you were like family.We'll miss you Jack.
Ellen Fisher
April 7, 2006
My sincere condolences to the Arute family during this sad and difficult time. I spent many years going to the races at Stafford Motor Speedway. It felt like home to me. On the rare occassion that I visted another speedway it just never felt the same. I am deeply saddeded to hear of Jack's passing. NASCAR and Stafford Motor Speedway have lost a truly great man and promoter.
Bill Nosal
April 6, 2006
My sincere condolences to the entire Arute and Stafford Motor Speedway Family for your profound loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during your time of sadness. May God bless each of you.
The Ference Family
April 6, 2006
We would like to extend our sincere condolences to the entire Arute Family on your loss of your father. May you find comfort in all of the great memories. He was a wonderful man.
J Pace
April 6, 2006
to the Arute family I sent you my deepest condolences on the loss of your father and a great man.I would like to take a moment to thank the Arute family for their many generous givings to the town of Stafford. I will miss seeing "Big Jack the prince of the modifies" the name i used to desribe him when my 5 year son asked who is that cruising the infield on the cart dad.
John & Lori Rottino Transmission Clinic
April 6, 2006
We were all sad to hear of Jack's passing.This is never an easy time.Your entire family is in our thought's and prayer's.
Diane Rutherford
April 6, 2006
My thoughts and prayers to you this terribly sad day you grieve for your father.
Alan and Allyson Deckman
April 6, 2006
Our sincere condolences to the entire Arute Family for the loss of their husband and father.
Willie Hardie and the #7 SK Modified Team
April 5, 2006
Our Deepest Sympathy goes out to the entire Arute family.
Bill Harman
April 5, 2006
My Friend Jack,
I ran many races at Stafford Speedway and one of the best promoters was Jack Arute. He was extremely fair and generous. I remember Jack going to bat for me in Daytona on disputes with NASCAR. A true friend and I will always remember him that way. My sincerest sympathy goes out to the Arute family. They have lost an Icon.
"The #18 SK ModifiedTeam"
April 5, 2006
There's never a good time to say goodbye to those closest to us, but may you find peace and comfort in the love that lives on. With our deepest sympathy, our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Arute Family at this difficult time.
Tony Lafo
April 5, 2006
We all would like to Express our sympathy on the loss of Jack Sr.
From The Lafo Family and everyone at American Sign Motorsports.
Ryan Petock
April 5, 2006
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Rick Franco
April 5, 2006
Our sympathy goes out to members of the Arute and entire SMS family.
Jean-Guy & Brigitte Poulin
April 5, 2006
We would like to extend our sincerest sympathy to the entire Arute Family for the loss of their husband and father, Jack Arute Sr.
We met Jack Arute sixteen years ago when we became part of Stafford’s Late Model Division. Thru the many years, our Friday night “golf cart” conversations always focused on Jack’s commitment to making Stafford Speedway one of the finest short tracks in the country and more importantly, the development of talented race car drivers.
Jack always expressed unbiased support and encouragement for all teams at every entry level who made the drive up on Friday nights.
We should never forget that it is because of Jack’s passion and vision ----so many years ago -----that we are able to enjoy the sport and love of racing each and every week.
Jean-Guy and Brigitte
All 78-Poulin Racing Team Members
Past and Present
Steve Hollander
April 5, 2006
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Jack. We have lost a real visionary in the NASCAR world and a gentleman. He will be greatly missed.
With deepest sympathy.
Anne and David Miller
April 5, 2006
We were sorry to hear on the news of Jack's passing. When we lived in New Britain we were good friends of your parents, and have many happy memories of the Arute hospitality...especially when my husband reluctantly played Santa at Christmas. Anne Miller
Bill Emhoff
April 5, 2006
Jack,
Thanks for supporting the Modifieds all these years.We would not be where we are without you.
You will be missed!
Bill & Matt Emhoff
Crew Members for Spearpoint Racing #21
Tony Kolenda
April 5, 2006
My condolences to the Arute Family for your loss.Thanks to you all for the laughter, looks of excitement and all of those smiles that Jacks racing has placed upon so many children's faces.Mr. Jack Arute Sr.will surely be missed.Tony Kolenda of the former SK#30 Johnny Lobo team. God Bless You.
Cliff Nelson
April 5, 2006
In my many years of being involved in racing I have never met a more honest person who would tell you like it is up front.
I will miss his great advice and even more his great stories.
Petock Petock Family
April 5, 2006
Our family would like to express our sympathy to the entire Arute family.We had the pleasure of sharing many conversations with Jack Sr. over the years during the Friday Night Racing Seaon. We will miss him.
Jimmy Broderick
April 5, 2006
To all who encompased Jack Sr's life:
Please accept my condolences on your loss.
Jimmy Broderick
#42 SK Modified
Linda and Norman Case
April 5, 2006
To the family and friends of Jack Arute Sr:
Please accept our condolences on your loss. Along with this being a great loss to family and friends, it is also a great loss to NASCAR and Jack Arute's Stafford Motor Speedway.
Over the years both Norm and I had many occasions to talk to Jack: Norm on the engine/technical side and me ranting and raving about something and nothing! He listened to both of us, never turning his back.
Both Norm and I agree that our favorite memory of Jack Sr. was a reoccuring one: we would be in the pits at Stafford and you would see him heading in your direction on his golf cart......we held our breath, both wondering if he was coming our way! When he went by you with a smile or a nod, you quickly turned your head to see who he was going to visit...
I read a line from someone offering their condolences on the MSS message board and it seems so very appropriate.
Jack Arute, Sr. not only walked the walk, he talked the talk...a fitting tribute to a man who never backed down from a challenge and saw far into the future of NASCAR racing, in turn, taking the future of NASCAR racing to a higher level.
We share in your sorrow and loss.
Linda and Norm Case
Precision Automotive, Inc.
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