Famously reluctant to attend funerals, Shelburne businessman Jack DuBrul has been given no choice but to attend his own. He passed away on June 1, 2026.
Born John A. DuBrul II in Cincinnati, Ohio, on December 6, 1933, Jack moved to Vermont following the death of his parents. He soon enlisted in the United States Marines and spent part of his service overseas during the Korean War. Upon his return to Vermont, Jack started countless businesses, including car dealerships, construction and real estate ventures, and the (in)famous bar the Cave. In 1968 he founded the Automaster, which he grew into one of the largest dealerships in the state. He was instrumental in building the Catamount Speedway in Milton and was a many-times president of the Ethan Allen Club.
Jack had a public life many knew well, one filled with generosity, laughter, savage pranks and a larger-than-life magnetism that filled any room. His hobbies were those that proved he played as hard as he worked and included airplanes, seaplanes, helicopters, powerboats, iceboats, scuba diving, skydiving, fast cars, race cars (Daytona against Dale Earnhardt’s father), Harleys and Ducatis, and perhaps his favorite of all — drifting over Vermont in his hot air balloon. His private life was the exact opposite. He was a Catholic of deep faith and a man of anonymous charity who liked nothing more than a quiet afternoon with a good book and his schnauzer by his side.
Like everything else in Jack’s life, his personal relations were … complicated. He is preceded by one ex-wife, Edwarda O’Brien, and one estranged wife, Susan DuBrul, and is survived by his longtime companion Sue “Gracie” Pinney. Jack also leaves behind four children, John III, DawnDee, Steele and Kyle; their spouses, Kim and Amy; and grandchildren Rowan, Joseph, Steele, Paige, Olivia, Christian, Cale and Lola. He is also preceded in death by a brother, David, and survived by another brother, Peter.
To those who knew Jack, take from him that indefatigable spirit that saw him live, and die, on his own terms. And to those who did not, the family is sorry, you missed out on knowing one hell of a man.
A Mass will be held in his honor at 10 a.m., Monday, June 15, at St. Joseph Cathedral, 29 Allen Street, Burlington. If so moved, in lieu of flowers a donation may be made in Jack’s honor to the McClure Miller Respite House or Passion 4 Paws.