Former Stafford Official & NEAR Member Danny Pardi Passes
He had maybe the quickest wit I’ve ever experienced. Danny Pardi, who died Friday, leaves behind a host of “Pardi isms.”
And, nobody got to the heart of the matter quicker than Danny. His observations and decisions were direct and almost always uncomplicated. He did not tolerate excessiveness.
He brought those qualities not only to his sport but to his relationships as well. Speaking personally, he was a loyal friend; I never believed for one second that he wouldn’t once again respond to a call for help. He was always there for me and I witnessed him being there for others as well many times.
Update:
Calling Hours: Wed., Jan 2: 4-8PM at D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 30 Carter St., E. Hartford, CT
Funeral: Thurs., Jan 3, 11AM – D’Esopo Funeral Chapel
And, chances are, they have “Danny Pardi stories.” His spirit, his soul, lives on in the hearts and minds of many of us.
There was, however, no sugarcoating with Danny. I am convinced Danny wouldn’t want any of it in the tributes that are sure to follow his untimely passing. “Get to the point,” I can hear him saying.
One thing was apparent over the decades I knew him – nothing approached the love and the pride he had for wife Marie and daughter Melissa.
The racing community – he had been a competitor, was an official at Stafford Motor Speedway, a historian and most recently a major force in both NEAR and the NEAR Hall of Fame – will miss him terribly. He was a major contributor at all levels.
It is fair to say, racing in southern New England today would be a lot different had not Danny come around.
So long, my friend. Thanks for the stories, the help. Thanks for everything.
Sources: Pete Zanardi/SNRacing.com.