Anthony Laukaitis, 97, Woodbury Native and WWII Veteran

The following obituary of Anthony Laukaitis is from Munson-Lovetere Funeral Homes, Inc.:

Tony Laukaitis, age 97, passed peacefully from this life on 09/07/2016, with his family by his side. He was born 07/13/1919 on his parent's dairy farm in Woodbury and spent most of his life in town.

He served in the Army during WWII, from RI to Florida. After his service, he continued to work on the family farm. He married his first wife, Aldona, in 1947 and in 1954 they had a son, Mark. At that time, Tony owned and operated a liquor store. After that, he worked construction for several years and worked for the City of Waterbury as a maintenance mechanic and retired after 22 years there.

Tony had varied interests: polka dancing, duckpin bowling, mineral collecting, playing slots, and traveling. Upon retirement Tony and his second wife Sophie traveled most of the lower 48 states and Canada. Tony continued to travel and, at age 84, took a cruise to Alaska with his companion Suzanne Lee. Tony was an avid gardener. He canned vegetables and often made wine with the fruits of his labor.

Tony loved Woodbury and was seen through the years, selling candy and hot dogs for the Booster Club at Nonnewaug High School basketball games, volunteering at the Bethlehem Fair, providing sand for the Lions Club Christmas Illuminare on Main St., and selling plants and vegetables at the flea market in town.

About 5 years ago, for health reasons, Tony moved to Scotland, CT where he lived with his son and his family. (a closer drive to Mohegan Sun for Tony). About 3 years ago, he became a resident of Douglas Manor in Windham, CT. He is survived by his son Mark Laukaitis and his wife Janet, his granddaughter Jennifer Laukaitis and her boyfriend Jose Arriaga, and his great granddaughter Reagan, as well as many nieces, nephews, and great friends.

Family will receive friends and relatives at 10am on Friday 09/16/16 at the Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home, 2 School St, Woodbury, CT. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, 2324 East Main St., Waterbury, CT.

Memorial contributions can made to the American Heart Association.