Clinton H. Hackenson

Clinton Harold Hackenson was 90 years young, living in his home in Easton, CT when he passed away April 22, 2018.  He began life in New Haven at St. Raphael’s Hospital on Dec. 19, 1927.  He was raised in Fairfield, CT, the only child of Harold and Gladys Hackenson.  He attended Roger Ludlow High School.  He grew up working at his father’s “Harold and Son” automotive repair garage and gas station.  This experience paved the way for his future career owning and operating “Mark Imported Auto Parts”, on King’s Hwy Cutoff, in Fairfield, CT.

His brief military service was with the military police in February of 1952, during the Korean War.  This was cut short by his father’s death.  He was immediately recalled per the Sole Survival Policy.  Upon his return, he took over all operations of the garage.

He married Jeanne Prentice in September of 1949.  Around 1967, they moved to Southbury where they continued raising four boys Mark (deceased), Craig, Scott, and Neal.  He had the whole family involved in the automotive industry.  The tragic accident of his son Mark spawned Clint’s volunteer work with Traumatic Brain Injury organizations.  For years of Mark’s rehabilitation, Clint wouldn’t stop seeking innovative ideas to better his son’s healing.   Eventually, he offered his time, knowledge, and support, and became an authority to which others looked for help.

Clint pioneered the import of British sports cars to the US with a small dealership. This evolved into an imported car parts business, which he ran until the late 1990’s, when he retired and moved to Easton. During the early years, he sold a Sunbeam Alpine to a Hollywood studio which sent it over a cliff in the classic movie “Butterfield Eight”.  While retired, yet always scooping a deal, he sold an Austin Healey to an agent for Harrison Ford.  Included was Clint’s hand written parts list and notes exactly where to purchase them.  So impressed was Mr. Ford, he actually called him at home to thank him for his thoroughness. What a pity that Clint had no idea who Harrison Ford was.

He also took leisure time to personally race the “Bug-Eyed” Sprite.  His true love though, was the Jaguar.  Everyone knew him by the Jaguar he drove and the handlebar moustache he sported.  Larger than life, he could show up anywhere just to say “Hello”, and see, “What was cookin’?” 

Living beyond medical expectancy, and no longer able to drive, his visits to doctors and occasional outings were always “entertaining”.  He continued his pioneer spirit without filters. People were happy to see him, being ever-amused by what he had to say and especially, how he said it.

Clinton is predeceased by the mother of his children Jeanne (Prentice) Hackenson and oldest son Mark Clinton Hackenson.

He is survived by his three sons: Craig Hackenson of Woodbury, granddaughter Leia, husband Matt, great-granddaughter Ashlyn, grandson Bruce, granddaughter Becky, husband Joe, great-grandson Joey; Scott Hackenson of Trumbull, wife Lori, granddaughter Michelle;  Neal Hackenson of Southbury, granddaughter  Sarah.

A private burial service with family will be held Monday, April 30th, at the Woodbury Old North Cemetery followed by a Memorial Service at the Woodbury United Methodist Church at 11 A.M., 4 Church St., Woodbury, CT.

Donations:  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:  Easton Animal Shelter, Clint Hackenson Memorial Fund for Animal Shelter, 700 Morehouse Rd., Easton, CT 06612. Tel:  (203) 268-9172.

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