Arthur Jennings, 86, passed away at his home in West Haven on March 12, 2023 with his loving wife, Elvira Jennings, by his side, hand in hand.

Born in Bridgeport in 1936, Arthur is the son of late Gertrude and Arthur Jennings. He is brother to Lorraine Finch and the late Barbara Naum. He leaves behind his beautiful wife of 34 years, Elvira Jennings, who was his loving caretaker over the last few months.

Art was a devoted father to Arthur Jennings and his wife Sara, his late daughter Kathy Jennings and her husband Mark, Wendy Dulin and her husband Gary, and Sherri Jennings. He also leaves behind his caring step-children, Thomas, Michael and Mark Scanlon. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Amanda Bartone and her husband Michael, Rachel Arenella and her husband James, Gary Dulin Jr, Billy Buckley and his wife Meghan, Jake Dulin and his fiancé Natalie, and Ariana Barnstable and her husband Andrew.

Arthur lived a fulfilled life.

From 1958 to 1982, Arthur worked for Raybestos doing quality control. He then became a sales manager at Bucks Ice Cream where he worked from 1982 to 2001. He was a Mason of the Ansantawae Lodge #89 and in 1982, he was Past Master.

Art was an avid golf player, a well-known presence on the course and befriended many through his love of golf. He is known for his fast paced game and he even earned bragging rights for his two hole-in-ones at the Yale Golf Course. He often participated in golfing fundraisers and charities. He was a member of the Orange Hills Club, Whitney Farms Golf Course and of Yale Golf Course where he also worked.

As a young athlete, he played baseball for the Bridgeport Little League All-Star team and came in 3rd at the 1949 Little League World Series. The following year, in 1950, he was named the first Boy of the Year by the North End Boys Club. In 1957, he played shortstop for Patuxaut River Naval Base where his team were runner ups at the All Navy World Series. From 1960 to 1966, he played for the Raybestos Cardinals. From 1958 to 1982, he played and coached the Raybestos basketball team and from 1967 to 1971, he coached the Raybestos slow pitch team. His passion for baseball continued into adulthood as he was President of the Milford Umpires Association from 1971 to 1981 where he umpired many games. He taught all his grandkids how to throw and catch a ball and even took Gary Jr and Jake out on the golf course a couple times. His love for sports ran deep. As a fan of the Mets, he, his mother and cousin, Barbara often attended games and bonded over their love for the sport.

Arthur was always the life of every party. Whether he was throwing his own birthday party at a local bar or having a BBQ in his backyard, he hosted memorable shindigs for his neighbors, friends and family.

Arthur adored his wife, Ellie. Together, they traveled the world - from Vegas where they eloped in a small Chapel, to riding horses in Kansas, to sun bathing in the sunny tropics of the south - Ellie and Arthur were always planning their next adventure. Ellie and Arthur attended the family’s annual “Sib Fest'' in Vermont every summer where they canoed, chatted around the fire, swam in the lake and played board games.

As a grandfather, he was the best babysitter a kid could ask for. He would bring his grandchildren to 7-Eleven way past their bedtime and let them load up on mixed flavored Slurpees. He played games like Scrabble, Pictionary and Charades and always kept the kids busy and entertained. He attended all their events - from little league games, to tennis matches, theater performances, school dances and art shows - he was a strong presence in his grandkid’s lives.

Arthur was strong willed, hardworking, a fantastic friend, a typical brother, a devoted father and a playful grandfather. 

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