Newington Obituary: Francis Laraia, 89

Mr. Francis A. Laraia, 89, of Newington, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at The Jefferson House of Newington. He was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Rena (Schiavetti) Laraia.

Francis was born in Hartford on April 11, 1928, son of the late Francesco and Mary (Leroy) Laraia. He graduated from Bulkeley High School, Class of 1946. Francis was a United States combat veteran of the Korean War and a Bronze Star recipient.

Following his service, he worked for G. Fox and company where he refinished furniture for over 40 years. Utilizing his woodworking experience, he created many special and memorable gifts for his family and friends. Besides being a talented woodworker, Francis was an avid fisherman, gardener and winemaker.

In his later years, he was an active member of the Wethersfield senior hikers, enjoyed duckpin bowling with friends and was a fierce competitor on the Wethersfield Seniors Wii bowling League. Francis also enjoyed watching UConn women’s basketball, the Boston Red Sox and the NY Giants, but his favorite teams to watch were the ones his grandsons played on.

Francis is survived by his daughters; Ann Zubretsky and her husband John M. Jr., of Wethersfield and Rosemarie DeRobertis and her husband Gene of Wethersfield, his two grandsons John M. Zubretsky, III and Nicholas J. Zubretsky, and his great-granddaughter Ella Sophia Zubretsky. He is also survived by a sister, Carmella Leva of West Hartford along with many nieces and nephews. Besides his beloved wife Rena, Francis was predeceased by his brother John Laraia and five sisters, Leonora Laraia, Mary Jane DeVito, Rochina Erardi, Tristina Silvestri and Anna Ruggiero.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Miss Lillie, the staff at Cedar Mountain Commons and the staff at the Jefferson House for their compassionate care.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Monday, February 19th at Christ the King Parish (Corpus Christi Church), 601 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield. Everyone is asked to meet directly at the church. Burial with full military honors will take place at the family’s convenience. There will be no calling hours.

Arrangements have been entrusted to The D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield.

In lieu of flowers, donation in Mr. Laraia’s memory may be made to the Music and Recreation Program of either the Jefferson House, 1 John H. Stewart Drive, Newington, CT 06111 or the Cedar Mountain Commons, 3 John H Stewart Drive, Newington, CT 06111.

To leave a message for the family, please visit www.desopo.com.