Passing of Dale C. Hall

Greg Barsamian · 05-23-2016, 10:26 PM

Dale "Tut" C. 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 & 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 p.m., with a time of sharing at 5:30 p.m. 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, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011 or McLean Development, c/o/ McLean Memory Care, 75 Great Pond Rd., Simsbury, CT 06070.
- See more at: http://www.carmonfuneralhome.com/obi....DQNNmesM.dpuf

Gary Parker · 05-24-2016, 05:27 AM

Condolences to the family. Dale was a true innovator and hard worker. It was a real treat watching his small block chevy dragster run Rest in Peace Dale.

Bob Don · 05-24-2016, 07:31 PM

Thoughts and condolences to his family and friends. I watched him race that SBC dragster countless times at New England and Connecticut. RIP Dale.

Frank Castros · 05-24-2016, 07:52 PM

I admired Dale's blown small block dragster and always routed for him.

Rest in peace Dale and sincere condolences to the Hall family,

Rich Biebel · 05-24-2016, 08:48 PM

Yes I saw him race many times and always rooted for him. Condolences to his family and his son Scott. Scott is a very good racer himself and works for Moroso as many know. RIP Mr. Hall

Mike Jones · 05-24-2016, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank Castros

I admired Dale's blown small block dragster and always routed for him.

Rest in peace Dale and sincere condolences to the Hall family,

X2
His blown small block was really something to see...

Mike A114
P/SA

quickford1 · 05-25-2016, 07:48 AM

Condolences to the Hall family. When I ran pro stock in the early 70s Dale & Norm did some of my machine work ,always right and fairly price. Also one hell of a racer.
Rich Simone

ss wannabee · 05-25-2016, 08:33 AM

Sorry to hear of Dale's passing...thoughts and prayers to him and his family....

I remember when he stayed with the FED and showed he could still run fast and WIN with
the older configuration!

05-23-2016, 10:26 PM	#1
Greg Barsamian VIP Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Central Massachusetts Posts: 1,383 Likes: 607 Liked 390 Times in 84 Posts	Passing of Dale C. Hall Dale "Tut" C. 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 & 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 p.m., with a time of sharing at 5:30 p.m. 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, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011 or McLean Development, c/o/ McLean Memory Care, 75 Great Pond Rd., Simsbury, CT 06070. - See more at: http://www.carmonfuneralhome.com/obi....DQNNmesM.dpuf

05-24-2016, 05:27 AM	#2
Gary Parker Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Westfield Mass Posts: 519 Likes: 342 Liked 373 Times in 50 Posts	Re: Passing of Dale C. Hall Condolences to the family. Dale was a true innovator and hard worker. It was a real treat watching his small block chevy dragster run Rest in Peace Dale. __________________ Gary Parker 1617 STK

05-24-2016, 07:31 PM	#3
Bob Don VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Greater Boston Posts: 1,476 Likes: 980 Liked 778 Times in 175 Posts	Re: Passing of Dale C. Hall Thoughts and condolences to his family and friends. I watched him race that SBC dragster countless times at New England and Connecticut. RIP Dale. __________________ Bob Don 128 SS

05-24-2016, 07:52 PM	#4
Frank Castros VIP Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: The Lowcountry. Posts: 2,638 Likes: 2,151 Liked 2,073 Times in 766 Posts	Re: Passing of Dale C. Hall I admired Dale's blown small block dragster and always routed for him. Rest in peace Dale and sincere condolences to the Hall family,

05-24-2016, 08:48 PM	#5
Rich Biebel VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Northern New Jersey suburbs Posts: 2,275 Likes: 25 Liked 510 Times in 200 Posts	Re: Passing of Dale C. Hall Yes I saw him race many times and always rooted for him. Condolences to his family and his son Scott. Scott is a very good racer himself and works for Moroso as many know. RIP Mr. Hall __________________ Rich Biebel S/C 1479 Last edited by Rich Biebel; 05-24-2016 at 08:51 PM.

05-25-2016, 07:48 AM	#7
quickford1 Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Davidson, NC Posts: 264 Likes: 436 Liked 18 Times in 10 Posts	Re: Passing of Dale C. Hall Condolences to the Hall family. When I ran pro stock in the early 70s Dale & Norm did some of my machine work ,always right and fairly price. Also one hell of a racer. Rich Simone

05-25-2016, 08:33 AM	#8
ss wannabee Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 663 Likes: 0 Liked 5 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Passing of Dale C. Hall Sorry to hear of Dale's passing...thoughts and prayers to him and his family.... I remember when he stayed with the FED and showed he could still run fast and WIN with the older configuration!