John A. McArthur, age 76, of Bristol, formerly of Stratford, beloved husband of Sandra Karr McArthur, passed away peacefully at home on September 28, 2026.

John was born in Norwalk on December 21, 1949, to the late Cleon and Elva (Mull) McArthur. An avid sailor, John was the owner of a J30” Smiles” winning many regattas over a span of over 30 years. He also enjoyed many successes in his partnership with “Deadicated” an Olson 29. He served as Commodore and Board Member of Cedar Point Yacht Club. He also served as Board Member, Dock Master and Life Member of Fayerweather Yacht Club. John volunteered on several race committees at both clubs, acting as Principal Race Officer for many events. John enjoyed motor sports, competing in SCCA and IMSA events in the 1970’s.

He also enjoyed Indy Car and Formula One Racing. He attended several Indy races with his wife Sandy, including many Indy 500s. John worked as a Porche Master Technician at Trainer Auto in Fairfield and Prey Auto in Greenwich for many years.

He retired as a builder with his business in New Hampshire. He and his wife, Sandy, enjoyed many long-term vacations in the mountains at their home in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, and eventually made it their permanent residence. Upon moving to New Hampshire, John continued his love for sailing and became the Race Officer at Lake Winnipesaukee for the J-80 races.

The McArthur family has just been informed that John will be receiving two awards posthumously, at the Cedar Point annual award celebration. The Remlin Award, given yearly for service to Cedar Point and the second, a new award in his honor, The John McArthur Achievement Award, for long-term achievements for Cedar Point and it will be awarded to someone in his name, when deserving.

Survivors in addition to his beloved wife of 36 years, include his son, Ray Guard and his wife Dagmar of Colchester, daughter, Cindy Pough and her husband Doug of New Britain, grandchildren, Brittany Guard- Larwin and her husband Josh, Kayla Aponte and her husband Daniel, Samantha Larkin and her husband Sal Germano, Ray Guard IV and John Pough. Also, great-grandchildren, Olive and Eli Aponte and AJ and Renzo Germano, a brother, Rob McArthur and his wife Sherrie, brother-in-law, Allan Karr and his wife Jessie, sisters-in-law, Dawn McArthur, and Carol Karr and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, John was pre-deceased by a brother, Chris McArthur and sister, Sharon Brown.

Visitation on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in the Adzima Funeral Home 50 Paradise Green Place Stratford. Followed by inurnment in St. John’s Cemetery, Stratford at 2:00 p.m. There will be a Memorial Service at 3:15 p.m. in Black Rock Congregation Church 3685 Black Rock Turnpike Fairfield.

In lieu of flowers those desiring may donate in memory of John to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.