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In Memory of
Russell Edward Truelove
1925 - 2018
Tribute Wall
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Jerome Lynch IV posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 25, 2019
I met Mr. Truelove back in the late 90's at the Carlisle All Ford Car Show....I have never forgotten that day....I was astonished that No. 226 had survived the crash on the beach and was still around, sitting in that building in restored racing condition! The highlight of the show was seeing the Mercury and meeting Mr. Truelove....He invited myself and my little boy to go under the ropes, and see his Mercury close up....He even let my son wear his actual helmet for a photo....I have to admit, I was a little jealous as I would have liked to have tried on his original Cromwell racing helmet!.... He could have not been nicer and shared all kinds of information leading up to the race and events that happened afterwards...an amazing story...It took a lot of courage, hard work and confidence to enter those early NASCAR races. Those cars were a handful to control and some of the characters involved in racing were even worse!....Mr. Truelove must have been quite a guy and I'm glad I had the chance to meet him personally. He was a real gentleman. I hope he is up in heaven driving old No.226 or tuning his engine with the ,"special, factory hot cam shaft". A true fan.....Jerry Lynch
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Edward Valpey posted a condolence
Monday, November 12, 2018
It's very sad to hear that Russ has passed, but my God what a life! Russ and I became friends during his Spec Racer days, where his wisdom and patience did all they could to temper my youth and enthusiasm. He partially succeeded. We kept in touch through the years, aided by his friendship with my father, Bob Valpey, who owned one of the Kiekhaefer Chyrsler 300s and was active with the Living Legends organization. My sincere condolences to Russ's family... it has to be all the more difficult losing such a treasure of an individual. Godspeed, Russ!
Ed Valpey
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Fred W. Heilich posted a condolence
Monday, August 20, 2018
It was with a heavy heart that I read of Russ' passing. We worked together for a number of years at Plessey Dynamics in Hillside, NJ in the 1970s-80s. I would remember when the weather changed and his back would bother him as a result of his racing accident. We would affectionately call him "Russell The Muscle", and when we travelled, he would ask for our hotel rooms as "Two for Truelove" and the looks at the desk would kill. In the late 1970s we made our weekly Thursday pilgrimage to Sikorsky for a project we were working on for the SH-60 for the Coast Guard Seahawk helicopter at the Stratford plant and the SH-76 at the Bridgeport plant. We kept in contact over the years after he left Plessey. The last time I saw him was at an event where he signed a photo of his race car. He was a true gentleman and I have many fond memories with and of him.
Fred W. Heilich
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Betty E Fries posted a condolence
Sunday, May 20, 2018
To the Family of Russell E. Truelove, Lt. Shea VFW Auxiliary to VFW Post 201 of Waterbury, Ct. want you to know that your loved one is in our thoughts and prayers. We thank him for his service. Betty Fries, President
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Steve Newell & Wanda Gilbert posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
We had the honor and pleasure of knowing Russ for many years.
Steve was blessed to have been invited by Russ to bring his race car and accompany him several times to race tracks including Sears Point, Loudon and Lime Rock for Vintage Race Days.
We were fortunate to see Russ in February this year at the North Turn and spend some time reminiscing about the wonderful times they had together,even sneaking out at Sears Point for strawberry pie.
The racing world has lost another legend but his presents will always be felt in Daytona and The North Turn.
Happy Motoring Russ.
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The Randall Family of NY posted a condolence
Sunday, May 6, 2018
We wish to share with all of Mr. Truelove's family, our deepest sympathy and to thank him for all he did for the sport of auto racing. Your all in our thoughts and prayers, God Bless!!
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June Vogt Wendt posted a condolence
Monday, April 30, 2018
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Russ Truelove. I saw him frequently when he was in Daytona Beach for racing events and we enjoyed delightful conversations of racing history. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as they mourn the loss of this dear man.
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Jim Eichelman posted a condolence
Monday, April 30, 2018
So sorry to hear of Russ's passing. I met Russ (and his Mercury) at Lime Rock Park for the Historics in 2016. He was very accommodating in sharing his racing story and it was an honor to spend time with him. Having been a NASCAR fan since the 1970's I was thrilled to meet a real racer that competed on the beach at Daytona. I could not have met much more of a "real racer" - driving down from Connecticut in the Mercury he raced and wrecked. Only to be helped to rebuild it by any/everyone (including the factory!)so he could drive it home. I am sure he treated countless others the same way friendly manner. Proud to have met his acquaintance.
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Ron Piasecki posted a condolence
Sunday, April 29, 2018
It was a true honor knowing Russ and was pleased that the Motor Racing Heritage Association presented him with the Tim Sullivan Award of excellence a few years back. He had been a staunch supporter of our organization and will always be remembered as the gentleman that he was during his life. RIP Russ.
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Kim Bouley Griffen uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, April 29, 2018
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Kim Bouley Griffen uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, April 29, 2018
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Nancy, on behalf of Miss Vicki Wood uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, April 28, 2018
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Dear Russ with one of his oldest racer friends .. Vicki Wood .. They raced together many times and had a very special bond .. This past February they spent a lot of time together at RNT visiting and reminiscing .. She wil miss him dearly
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HANK GOODRICH uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, April 28, 2018
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2016 LIVING LEGENDS OF AUTO RACING SIGNING PARTY IN DAYTONA BEACH I HAD THE PRIVLEDGE SPENDING TIME WITH A GREAT & INTERESTING MAN RUSS TRUELOVE MAY YOU REST IN PEACE, HANK & BONNIE GOODRICH
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Mrs. Rhonda Glasnak uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, April 28, 2018
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Russ at The 2018 Historic North Turn Beach Parade in his beloved #226 with his best friend Junie Bouley driving the car.
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Walter and Rhonda Glasnak posted a condolence
Saturday, April 28, 2018
Robin and family, on behalf of our staff at Racing’s North Turn, Walter , Rhonda, Julia and Lars, please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of our sweet dear Russ. He will always remain a part of our establishment and in our hearts. He has many fans and will be missed by many. He and his #226 have always been the hit of race week at the restaurant. Peace be with you all during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
The Glasnak Family
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Chaz posted a condolence
Saturday, April 28, 2018
A great man and an amazing racer. They don’t make men like Russ anymore. I’m honored I got a chance to meet him in Daytona.
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Joel Parks uploaded photo(s)
Friday, April 27, 2018
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Joel and "Uncle Russ" at Limerock Park track.
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Joel Parks uploaded photo(s)
Friday, April 27, 2018
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With cousin Kent at Aunt Martha's
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Robin Stronk uploaded photo(s)
Friday, April 27, 2018
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Russ and Marin having an animated conversation.
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Robin Stronk uploaded photo(s)
Friday, April 27, 2018
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Russ and wife, JoAnn relaxing in Costa Rica
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Robin Stronk uploaded photo(s)
Friday, April 27, 2018
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Russ, Robin and Mildred at one of the many, many horse shows they attended.
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Robin Stronk uploaded photo(s)
Friday, April 27, 2018
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Four generations - Justin Stronk, Russ (holding Marin as a newborn,) and Robin Stronk
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Robin Stronk uploaded photo(s)
Friday, April 27, 2018
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Russ Truelove at Daytona Beach just prior to the 1956 Grand National and his famous flip. He drove the race car just as it is seen here from Waterbury to Daytona Beach! No trailer or tow car. And after it was repaired and finished its racing career it became the family car.
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Robin Stronk uploaded photo(s)
Friday, April 27, 2018
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Memorial plaque at the South Turn of the old Daytona Beach race track. Russ' image was used to represent the original beach race drivers.
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The family of Russell Edward Truelove uploaded a photo
Friday, April 27, 2018
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