Robert Alan Wells, Sr., age 77 of Bethel, died Sunday, December 16, 2007 at his home with his family in attendance, after a short battle with cancer. He was the husband of the late Betty Jane Stanton Wells.
He was born in New Milford, CT, July 23, 1930 son of the late Franklin and Alma Smith Wells. He was an automobile mechanic, until moving to Kissimmee, FL, where he worked at Walt Disney World for 10 years, returning to the area after the death of his wife.
Bob’s passions included the New York Yankees, the New York football Giants and NASCAR racing. He was a life member of the Southern New York Racing Assoc., serving in several capacities, including ambulance driver and pit crew member of both Chick Stockwell and his son.
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Some interesting news, courtesy of Kevin at the Danbury-Racearena message board:
The Golden Age of Trucking museum has asked me to put on another Racearena seminar about the history of the Danbury Racearena and the SNYRA. We have set the date for April 12,2008 from 11-3PM. The museum currently has a display of 3 former Danbury cars and a display case full of memoribilia. If you get a chance, it’s a great way to spend a few hours. There is also a restored boat that raced at Danbury in 1949 when they had the boat races. Please pass the word. We are looking for fans and drivers to attend. The museum is located off exit 16 on I-84 and is open Thurs.-Sat. 10-4PM. Sun. 12-4PM.
Sources: Kevin/ Danbury-Racearena.com
The Southern New York Racing Association announces that it donated over $5000 last month to The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. This money will allow 2 Children to attend camp in 2008 and provide a Nurse and Camp Counselor for them.
The money was raised from the Southern New York Racing Association’s reunion held at The O’Neil Center in Danbury last July. The money was donated in memory of the Drivers and Stock Car Crew Teams that raced at The Danbury Fair Racearena from the 1950s to 1981.
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Don’t forget this Sunday, October 14th at 2:00p.m. – a “Chat” Session with some of the drivers – 12 or 13 of them will be at the New Fairfield Senior Center (across from Shaw’s in the center of New Fairfield), just for a get together and to reminisce.
Paul Baker will moderate the session, and as of now those drivers who will attend are: Art Davis, Bones Stevens, Don LaJoie, Lou Funk, Jr. John Jenkins, Lloyd Agor,Billy Boo, Dan Evon, Lou Pane, Evie Pierce, Gino Spada, Harry Hansen, Jr.and Irv Straiton. Should be fun – come out and enjoy. Free – open to public. You know how great the stories can be when these drivers get together!!!! Don’t miss it!!
Sources: Danbury-Racearena.com Message Board
Anthony C. Archiere Sr., 65, of Danbury, devoted husband of Gertrude A. (Carter) Archiere, died at Danbury Hospital on Sunday, September 23, 2007. He was born in Danbury on February 12, 1942, son of the late Pasquale and Dorothy (Sousa) Archiere. He was a lifetime member of the Danbury community.
Mr. Archiere worked as a driver for the City of Danbury Highway Department for five years. Prior to that he owned and operated Archiere Trucking. He was an avid racecar driver and drove #53 at the Danbury Racearina in the 1970’s. He loved the outdoors, camping in upstate New York, and was a Dallas Cowboys football fan. He also enjoyed weekends dirt racing in Lebanon Valley, N.Y.
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