Obituary: Robin J. Slavinski, 61; Xavier-Middletown Graduate

WALLINGFORD, CT — (From Wallingford Funeral Home): Robin J. Slavinski, 61, of Wallingford, died Friday, April 23, 2021 at MidState Medical Center.

Rob was born in Meriden, March 27, 1960, a son of the late Walter Slavinski and Dolores (DeBaise) Slavinski of Wallingford with whom Rob resided with and took great care of. He was a graduate of Xavier H.S. and was a passionate drag car race driver.

He began his racing career having early success as a motocross racer. He began car racing in 1982 at the wheel of a 1969 Chevy Camaro, driving in local events in the Northeast. His fortunes began to turn in 1986 when he landed a sponsorship with Castro GTX. He became the principal standard bearer for the Super Clean brand in 2000.

In addition to his on-track duties, Rob was a tireless ambassador for his sponsor and sport, spending time making countless appearances on their behalf at auto part stores, malls, car dealerships and press conferences. He was one of few who won NHRA national events in three distinctly different racing disciplines.

After his racing career ended, and the loss of his beloved dog “Baron” he found joy in showing miniature schnauzers with his current dog “Jäger” who just ribboned at an event last week. Locally, Rob worked many years as a mechanic at Wallingford Subaru.

In addition to his loving mother Dolores, Rob is survived by his brother, Richard Dandelski; his sister, Deborah Battaglia and her husband Robert; and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 4, at 10 a.m. directly at Most Holy Trinity Church, 84 N. Colony St., Wallingford. Interment will follow in St. John Cemetery in Wallingford. Rob’s request would be for friends to dress in casual attire. Arrangements are under the direction of The Wallingford Funeral Home.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Wallingford Funeral Home here.