Wethersfield Obituary: Thanas Laske, 89

Thanas "Arthur" Laske, 89, of Wethersfield, passed away on January 2, 2018.

He was born in Permet, Albania to the late Anesti and Katina (Nako) Laske on May 15, 1928. Arthur emigrated to Istanbul (Constantinople) Turkey where he met his wife Aliki (Totonis). He also leaves behind his son Apostol and wife Judy of Wethersfield and his three cherished grandsons Evan, Jordan and Hayden. Arthur also leaves behind many close relatives including his cousin Donna Nakos of Wethersfield, cousins Olga and Vera Nako of West Hartford, Godsons John and George Nakos, and many other relatives in Greece, England, Austria, Italy and Albania.

Chasing the American Dream, Arthur emigrated to the US in 1956 with his wife and parents and initially worked for Royal Typewriter. As a restaurateur and real estate property manager, he was involved in many Hartford ventures including the Family Restaurant across the street from the former Colt’s Manufacturing location in Coltsville, the Great Train Robbery Café across from Union Station, Lorien, LeJardin and Goodnight Hartford on Allyn Street.

However, Arthur’s most rewarding passion and commitment was reflected through his ethnic pride in his Albanian heritage. He became part of the Free Albania Central Organization and was very involved in the publication of Liria in Boston, the first Albanian-American newspaper. He also helped support St. Mary’s Albanian Orthodox Church in Worcester. Arthur sought any opportunity he could to help many other Albanians set roots in the area.

The funeral service will be held at 11 AM, on Monday, January 8, at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 433 Fairfield Ave, Hartford. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. Friends may call from 1-5 PM on Sunday, January 7th, with a Trisayion Service at 1:30 p.m at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke, Wethersfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 433 Fairfield Ave, Hartford, CT 06114 or St. Mary’s Albanian Orthodox Church, 535 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609, care of Thanas Laske.

Please visit www.dillonbaxter.com to share a memory with the family.