Name: Calling hours for John Joseph "Jack" Proulx Jr.
Start: 2025-07-09T16:00:00.000Z
End: 2025-07-09T19:00:00.000Z
Location: Brookside Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home & Crematory

John Joseph Proulx, Jr.
Professional Engineer & Public Servant
John Joseph "Jack" Proulx Jr., 81, of Middlebury, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 4, 2025 at Waterbury Hospital in the presence of his loving family. He was the loving husband of Linda (Fradette) Proulx.
Jack was born in Waterbury on March 26, 1944, son of the late John Joseph "Joe" and Lucy (Herr) Proulx, Sr. He graduated from Woodbury High School Class of 1962. He earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of New Haven. He started his professional engineering career at Anaconda American Brass, then moved to the State Fire Marshal's office and worked as a Fire Inspector before landing his dream job at The Metropolitan District (MDC) in Hartford. He started with the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department as a teenager in the Junior Firefighter (CD) corps and held different officer positions throughout his time as a firefighter. Jack became Middlebury's Fire Marshal and Fire Chief from 1978 to 1986. In 1986 Jack elected to remain as Fire Marshal and held this position until 2022 when he stepped down to become Deputy Fire Marshal and fully retired from public service in 2024. Jack dedicated over 65 years of service to the Town of Middlebury through the fire department, committees and boards that he gladly served on. Additionally, Jack proudly served his country in the Connecticut Army National Guard.
With his professional engineering background and knowledge of water systems, he assisted the Town of Middlebury design, develop and grow the domestic water and hydrant system that exists today. He also volunteered with St. Vincent DePaul, driving the mobile assistance van. Jack loved racing and was an avid vintage race car driver. He built three open-wheel race cars, with two of them dubbed "#5." He raced for several years at the Plainville Stadium, where he took home the rookie-of-the-year trophy, and he did this with support from close friends. For those who knew Jack, you may recall seeing him driving around town in his red pickup truck with his faithful and beloved canine companion Mocha in the back window.
Besides his wife Linda of 56 years, Jack leaves to honor and cherish his memory: a son, Brian E. Proulx, and wife Lara of Middlebury; a daughter, Deanna L. Proulx of Middlebury; a brother, Richard Proulx, and wife Catherine "Angela" of Hollywood, FL; a sister-in-law, Betty Proulx of Pittsburg, PA; and four grandchildren, Sabrina Proulx, Aurora Proulx, Jordan Sepelak, and Micaela Sepelak. He was predeceased by two brothers, Thomas E. Proulx and infant Francis Proulx.
Arrangements: A funeral service will be held Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Brookside Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home & Crematory, 200 Benson Road, Middlebury. Burial will follow in Lake Elise Cemetery in Middlebury. Calling hours will be held Wednesday evening from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Jack's memory to:
Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department
65 Tucker Hill Road
Middlebury, CT 06762
For more info or send an on-line condolence, please visit www.brooksidememorial.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Republican American on Jul. 8, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for John Proulx

5 Entries

Faithful Blessings Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

Jeff Sepelak

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Flowers

Bill Dubinsky

July 8, 2025

I was saddened to hear about Jack's passing,nad deepest sympathies to Linda and the family. I pretty much grew up with the kids on Glenwood Avenue and cherished memories of my friends there. Jack was a few years older than me but I remember him well both from kidstuff that we all played together but also later in the Middlebury Fire Department CD and subsequently when elevated to the regular Fire Department. He was always available and a reliable source as well as a good friend. Opportunities caused me to move away from Middlebury in the early seventies but I always had the highest regard for Jack and what he and the others taught me in those early years.

Steve Foss

July 8, 2025

Dear Linda, Brian, Deanna, I was so saddened to learn of Jacks death. He was an exceptional man of many many qualities. The Town of Middlebury has certainly lost a pillar of the community and a friend to all Jack hoped me many many times when I became Chief. His knowledge and know how in the fire service was unending. My most sincere sympathy you and all the family member am so proud to have known and worked with Jack for so many years. I am a resident of Florida and not able to attend jacks service but my thoughts and prayers will be there. Sincerely Steve Foss

Jody Rockhill

July 8, 2025

Jack was always a good role model for us youngsters in the CD. I admired and thought highly of him. A calm and level headed leader. A good man.

Arlette Charbonneau

July 7, 2025

Always my big guy. Loved him since we were kids. Linda and I counted on him all the time and he accommodated our demands. So sorry. Love to all.

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