Uncasville - David Lionel LeBrun 80, of Uncasville died Wednesday Jan. 16, 2019 at Fairview Nursing Home in Groton, and is now at peace. He was the beloved husband of Nina (Manville) Lebrun. David was the son of the late Lionel O LeBron and Florence LeBrun Elias.
Born in Artic, Rhode Island, David began his education in a one room schoolhouse in South Walpole, Mass. In his teen years, his family moved to Conn. and he graduated from New London, High School.
After High school, David completed the apprenticeship program at Electric Boat in Groton and was employed there until 1971.
In April 1971, David opened L & L Auto Machine Service Inc. in Groton. Among the motors he built, were high performance race engines, antique restoration and street motors. He enjoyed his work and usually could be found at the shop six days a week. The only time he was not there was when he was at a long distance race. His wife joined him in the business after their marriage. The business was successful until its closing in 2017 as his health declined.
David's other passion was in his race cars. He had twin 1969 Chevrolet Camaros and many Corvettes Along the way. He won several national races and titles. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame for National Hot Roc Assoc (NHRA) in 1994, All Star Racing Assoc (ASRA) in 2012, and in the Orientals Hot Rod Club in 2014. He was the Divisional Champion for the Northeast Division of NHRA in three times and won the National Wrench award seven times for NHRA. He was also honored with the Auto Achievement Award from the Norwich Chamber of Commerce in 2014. David won the Grand National Race in Sanair Canada in 1971 and 1982, the Summer National Race in Englishtown, N.J. in 1975, the Keystones Race in Reading, Pa. in 1989, and the US Nationals in Indianapolis, Ind. in 1987. He received the Pete Moran Sportsman of the Year award in 2004, and The Nate Cohen Memorial Award in 1983 for his significant contribution to the stock/super stock category of drag racing.
Dave and Nina enjoyed their life together and traveled as often as possible to warm destinations in the Caribbean and many areas of Mexico.
Besides his wife Nina of 45 years, he leaves behind his sister Loretta Milton of Arizona, brother Robert LeBrun of Conn, and sister Teresa Haas of Maryland. He also leaves several behind several Nieces and nephew. He was predeceased by his parents and his mother's second husband Emile Elias.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday January 25, 2019 at St John's Church Uncasville. Burial will follow at St Patrick's Cemetery Uncasville.
Memorial Donations in his name may be made to the American Parkinson's Association Connecticut Chapter PO Box 248 Shelton, Connecticut 06484. Please visit www.LabenskiFuneralHome.com to leave an online tribute or condolence.
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