How do you sum up the life of one of the most generous people you have ever known? David Hackett was a skilled and talented trombonist and a gifted mechanic. Born in Detroit, MI with motor oil in his veins, and raised in Mamaroneck, NY, Dave’s path veered away from a career in music to a lengthy career in automobiles.
After graduating from Bellows High School in Mamaroneck, Dave went into business with his brother repairing cars in Rye, NY before being called to serve in the US Army. Posted in Germany, he traveled with the Army Band for the duration of his service.
Moving to Connecticut with his young family, he opened Hackett Imported Cars in Westport. During the early years Hackett Racing Team was born, and the team competed on Road Racing tracks across the northeast. Eventually Dave shifted away from selling new cars to restoring classic and antique cars on the Connecticut Shoreline.
Never one to relax he continued working well into his 80’s, all the while subjecting his family and friends to his unique sense of humor, and telling terrible jokes that would make you laugh in spite of yourself.
In addition to his family, his greatest accomplishment is the 44 years of sobriety he achieved with the help of AA, his sponsors, and the men’s meetings he attended regularly for many years.
David is survived by his bride of 70 years, Jane Hackett of Old Saybrook; their children son Jeff (Lauren), and daughters Susan, and Lynn (Chris) and five grandchildren Kyle, Griffin, Wyatt, Rebecca, and Rider.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday October 6 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm with a prayer service to follow at 1:00 pm. Burial with full military honors at Riverside Cemetery Old Saybrook, after the prayer service.
In lieu of flowers the Hackett family requests that you make a donation in Dave's memory to either Save The Music Foundation by visiting https://www.savethemusic.org/
the Old Saybrook Ambulance Association or the Estuary Council of Seniors.
