Former Longtime East Haven Mayor Henry J. 'Hank' Luzzi Dies At 82

EAST HAVEN, CT — Town Attorney Mike Luzzi confirmed that his father and "best friend," former longtime East Haven Mayor Henry J. "Hank" Luzzi died Tuesday. He was 82.

The Democratic mayor served three terms. A teacher as well, the New Haven Register reported that Luzzi had "all three of his mayoral successors as students in school."

"He was a wonderful husband to my mom," Mike Luzzi told Patch. "We lived a blessed life."

Mayor Joe Carfora told Patch that Hank Luzzi was a mentor, a friend, and "a man I could look up to." Carfora went to visit with Luzzi last night, he said, and "held his hand and said goodbye."

"Hank was a staple in this community. More, he was this community. His (death) is an end of an era. There are few left. He was a great guy. A great dad. A great man." And Carfora said, a devoted husband to his wife of six decades, Claire.

"That broke my heart last night to see Claire," he said.

Carfora said he and Mike Luzzi have been friends since they were young and Carfora was often in the Luzzi house.

"I feel like a part of that family. Mike is like a brother. He was very, very close to his dad. They did everything together. I talked to him four or five times today and I could hear the grief in his voice."

Hank Luzzi was a beloved and respected East Haven science teacher, middle school principal and football coach.

Condolences pour in

State Rep. Joe Zullo said his condolences go out to the Luzzi family.

"Throughout his career as a teacher and during his tenure as Mayor, Hank was an unwavering champion for the Town’s children. Many credit the town’s new high school on Wheelbarrow Lane and the thousands of lives he helped shape through the construction of that first-in-class facility as his 'legacy' – credit which is certainly deserving. However, I also knew Hank to be a loving husband, father, and grandfather. On the occasions I had to chat with him, he beamed with pride when he talked about his family. Hank was also a mentor to many and I know many colleagues who, without hesitation, would credit Hank for having a profoundly positive impact on their professional growth and success.

I will always remember Mayor Luzzi as a fierce advocate for our community and as a leader I was, and will always be, proud to call 'Mayor.' He will be sorely missed in all regards and I will continue to keep Hank and the entire Luzzi family in my thoughts and prayers."

Sen. Len Fasano said Luzzi was an "incredible advocate for East Haven who did so much for our town during his lifetime."

"He was a gentleman, a kindhearted person and a dedicated leader in our community. I always had deep admiration and respect for Mayor Luzzi," Fasano said. "My thoughts are with his family and friends. He will be remembered as a fierce and devoted public servant who worked hard to support the people of East Haven."