NAUGATUCK — John C. Fruin, Jr. passed away peacefully at The Willows in Woodbridge on Dec. 20, 2014 at the age of 68. He was the high school sweetheart and husband of Francine (Baukus) Fruin.
Jack was born on Jan.11, 1946 in Waterbury, 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 of 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 then 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 by competing himself, held 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; one son, John C. Fruin, III also of Naugatuck. He was PaPa to seven grandchildren, Taylor, Hannah, Matthew, and Renee Russo, Kassandra Fruin, Naomi and Adam Haywood; 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 will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 23 at 7 p.m. at the Naugatuck Valley Memorial/Fitzgerald Zembruski Funeral Home, 240 North Main St., Naugatuck. Calling hours will be held prior to the service from 5 to 7 p.m.
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, visit www.naugatuckvalleymemorial.com.
