Uniroyal retiree
John C. Fruin Jr., 68, of Naugatuck passed away peacefully at The Willows in Woodbridge Dec. 20. He was the high school sweetheart and husband of Francine (Baukus) Fruin.
Jack was born Jan. 11, 1946, in Waterbury, a son of Jeanne (Zehnder) Fruin and the late John C. Fruin Sr. He graduated from Naugatuck High School, class of 1964, and received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Central Connecticut State College.
Prior to his retirement from Uniroyal Chemical, Jack was physical director at the Naugatuck YMCA for six years before moving on to executive director of the Willimantic YMCA. In 1978 he became general manager of Lakewood Racquetball Club. He also taught fourth grade at Our Lady of Mt Carmel School for a few years. Always an athlete, sports were a huge part of his life. He was instrumental in bringing racquetball to Naugatuck and Waterbury, where he ran many tournaments and competed himself, holding the title of Naugatuck Valley Racquetball Champ. He was proud of his accomplishments, but most proud of his family.
Besides his wife of 46 years and his mother of Naugatuck, Jack is survived by two daughters, Kathleen (John) Russo of Sarasota, Fla., and Kelly Fruin Haywood of Naugatuck and a son, John C. Fruin III, also of Naugatuck. He was PaPa to seven grandchildren: Taylor, Hannah, Matthew, and Renee Russo; Kassandra Fruin; and Naomi and Adam Haywood. He also is survived by one brother, Gary (Camille) Fruin; a niece, Delaney Fruin of Santa Barbara, Calif.; several aunts, uncles and cousins. Jack had many friends – especially his best friend of many, many years, Joe Wolcin.
His funeral service is today, Tuesday, Dec. 23, at 7 p.m. at the Naugatuck Valley Memorial/Fitzgerald Zembruski Funeral Home at 240 N. Main St. in Naugatuck. Calling hours will from 5 to 7 p.m prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Naugatuck YMCA, 284 Church St., Naugatuck, CT 06770. To send an online condolence, please visit www.naugatuckvalleymemorial.com.
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