Ronald James Narducci

Legends never die.

Their bodies may leave this earth,

but the examples live on forever.

Ronald James Narducci, only son of Eugene Narducci and Lucille Sheperd Goodspeed Narducci, was born in Middletown, Connecticut, on March 21, 1930. He crossed his final finish line in Surfside Beach, South Carolina, at the age of 91 on November 12, 2021.

Ron joined the Air Force in 1950, and was stationed at Lackland AFB in Texas. He then received orders to report to Sampson AFB in Romulus, New York, where he was a math instructor. He began his long racing career just down the road from Sampson at South Seneca Speedway in Ovid, New York in 1952. He continued racing in the area through 1956, compiling twenty-one feature wins at Maple Grove Speedway in Waterloo, New York, and at South Seneca. In 1957, he returned to Connecticut and, with his father, bought a 1937 Ford Coupe for a reported $75.00. He raced this at Waterford and Stafford Springs. He ran the NASCAR circuit from 1959 to 1967, winning multiple championships. In 1967, he started with the All-Star League, where he was a member of the winning track team six times. During this time, he had the worst crash of his career at Catamount Speedway resulting in a three-day hospital stay after a spectacular series of flips off the third turn. From 1975 until 1982, he ran the Dirt Circuit and finished his career by working as a Pit Steward until 1986. Ron competed at sixty-six different racetracks and was inducted into the Fonda Speedway Hall of Fame in 1989, NYS Stock Car Hall of Fame in 1995, and NEAR Hall of Fame in 2000.

When he wasn't racing, Ron worked in the automotive field in retail, and as a mechanic and school bus driver in various districts in New York and Vermont. Many former students recall him as the type of guy who could make you behave with a single look in the mirror. He spent many hours at Connie’s Diner, Waterloo Sportsman’s Club and looked forward to his yearly invite to Amy's Checkered Flag racing reunion. Lobster, raw oysters, and New England clam chowder were his go-to meals. The New England Patriots and UCONN girls’ basketball were on if he wasn't watching racing. On holidays, multiple generations would gather to watch him assemble the antipast. He always had a koozie in his pocket for his Coors Light bottle.

Ron moved to South Carolina in 2017 where he promptly found his "Connie’s" at The Sundown. Affectionately called Mr. Ron, he continued to meet people from up North that had seen him race. Sharp as a tack, he could recall dates, tracks, accidents, and fellow drivers; he was happy to reminisce.

Ron married Edith "Teed" (deceased) in 1952 and Nancy (deceased) in 1976.

Ron's legacy continues to live on in his family: sons Ron Jr. and Greg (Venetta), stepchildren Chris, Bob (Jen), Linda (Aaron), Andy (Ashley), and bonus daughters Melinda (Karl) and Natalie.

Known as Grampy, Gumpta, Grampa Ron, and Peat Pampy, he will also be missed by his grandchildren Nicki, Kim, Jym, Bryan, Kelly, Sam, Julia, Rachel, Anthony, Della, Robert, Alison, and Alden, and by his great-grandchildren Sawyer, Jayce, Nora, Addison, Vivian, and one on the way.

Ron gave monthly to ASPCA, Humane Society, and St. Jude's. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate in his name to these organizations, or to Beverly Animal Shelter at 50 East River Road, Waterloo, New York 13165.

Ron’s family will journey with him on one last road trip in the Spring of 2022. Plans are to stop and see a few dirt races at Stafford Springs and Fonda, have a gathering in Vermont, and end with a formal ceremony at Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Romulus at 4:00pm on Tuesday, May 10, 2022. 

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