Arthur C. Dritenbas

Arthur C. Dritenbas, 91, Shelton - formerly Stratford, beloved husband of Dorothy Pruzinsky Dritenbas, passed March 24, 2020.  Born Oct. 20, 1928, he was the son of the late Arthur and Martha Shallbruch Dritenbas.  In addition to his wife of over 70 years, he is survived by 2 of his 5 children:  Karen (Scott) Essig and Anne Tomatore; 3 Grandchildren:  David (Jenn) Essig, Diana (Greg) Jonason, James M.(Erica) Tomatore; 5 Great-Grandchildren:  Audrey and William Essig, Logan and Ella Jonason, Zoey Tomatore.  He is pre-deceased by sons Mark and Arthur “Butch”, daughter Susan, and sister Gladys Dritenbas.

A life-long resident of Stratford, Arthur was very civically active and dedicated over 50 years of volunteer service to the Town, including as a member of the Civil Defense and Auxiliary Police; multiple terms as 9th District Councilman, plus Chairman; as well as numerous Committees, Boards and Commissions.  He was instrumental in establishing the Waterfront Authority Commission.  He also served on many County, State and Regional Committees.

After high school he joined his father in the family’s mason/construction business and is very well known for his many custom-built homes and commercial buildings throughout the area.  He was a master builder and mason.

Arthur was a life member of the Pootatuck Yacht Club and served in many officership positions including Commodore.  He loved to fish and was on his boat whenever possible.

Arthur was an outgoing spirit and the life of the party!  He loved being with people and having fun, most especially telling jokes and stories.  He went out of his way to help people whenever he could.  He was a gifted craftsman - always designing something and drawing plans, fixing or building, or doing stone work, and has passed down many of his skills to his children.  Arthur met his childhood sweetheart Dottie when they were 11 and 12 yrs old, and on Sept 17,1949, they were married when they were 19 and 20.  Together they built their beautiful home and family, and this past Sept they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service and celebration of Arthur’s life on Sat. Aug 22 at 10:30am.at St. Jude Church in Monroe, 707 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, CT 06468

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