Obituary: Father John L. Lavorgna, 48, Of Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — (From North Haven Funeral Home): Father John Louis Lavorgna, 48, of Hamden, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at Yale New Haven Hospital. Born in New Haven on May 16, 1974, he was the beloved son of Egidio and Palma Giardini Lavorgna.

Father Lavorgna was a graduate of Notre Dame High School, West Haven, where he was Valedictorian, Man of the Year, and also the recipient of the Notre Dame Code Award. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Yale University, New Haven and did his vocational studies at St. Thomas Seminary/Pope Paul VI House, Bloomfield. Father John also went on to receive his Master’s of Divinity from Mount St. Mary Seminary, Maryland.

Father was ordained on May 20, 2006 by Archbishop Henry J. Mansell at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, Hartford. Father Lavorgna’s early assignments included St. John the Evangelist in Watertown, St. Peter, St. Francis, Sacred Heart, and St. Mary in Torrington.

Father Lavorgna served subsequently as pastor at Our Lady of Pompeii in East Haven, Secretary to the Archbishop, Vocation Director, and pastor of Mary, Mother of the Church in Waterbury. He ministered most recently at Assumption Parish in Woodbridge, followed by St. Bridget of Sweden in Cheshire. He was a member of the Archdiocesan Presbyteral Council and also served as chaplain for several Knights of Columbus Councils.

Father Lavorgna was adored by his parishioners and brought joy to so many.

Father Lavorgna devoted his life to God and the people he loved. His priority was cultivating and nourishing the many meaningful relationships in his life, always finding time to “make a visit.” He was constantly in touch with his family, friends and parishioners, whether through phone calls, letters, Hallmark cards or the occasional text message.

Father Lavorgna lived life to the full. He loved to travel, go on cruises, play bocce and bingo, even if he got a little competitive. He fully embraced his Italian heritage and was never shy about sharing it with everyone he met. He had a terrific sense of humor, always ready with a joke or a funny story. We will all miss his laughter.

Besides his parents, he leaves his brother Egidio Lavorgna Jr, sister-in-law Stefanie Lavorgna, nephew Matthew Lavorgna, and nieces Jessica and Jenna Lavorgna. They will always love and remember him dearly.

He is also survived by a large, extended family. His loving uncles and aunts include: Nicola (Concettina) Lavorgna, Grazina Fappiano, Aldo (Concettina) Lavorgna, Concetta (Alberto) Caserta, Antonella (Thomas) Ranalli, Sisto “Nino” Giardini, and Clara (Anthony) Garguilo.

John also had 16 first cousins who will miss him. They include:Maria (Chris) Delucia, Giovanni (Karen) Lavorgna, Giovanni (Daniela) Lavorgna, Giovanni (Rosaria) Lavorgna, Marino (Lella) Lavorgna, Pia (Angelo) Lavorgna, Tony (Janie) Lavorgna, Michelangelo (Angela) Lavorgna, Ivano Lavorgna, Carlo (Maria) Caserta, Tony (Michelle) Caserta, John (Adriana) Caserta, Thomas (Lori) Ranalli, Jason (Sandra) Ranalli, Melissa Ranalli and Taylor Garguilo.

John was predeceased by his grandparents, John and Maria Lavorgna, and Luigi and Clara Giardini, as well as his uncle Antonio Lavorgna.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rev. John L. Lavorgna Memorial Fund c/o All Saints Catholic Academy (423 Ferry Street, New Haven, CT 06513), where Father John was an active board member and an alumni.

May he rest in peace.

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