Anthony "Tony" Laudano

Anthony Andrew “Tony” Laudano of Branford, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, one day before his 66th birthday. Born on March 5, 1960, in New Haven, he grew up in North Haven and Woodbridge and graduated from Amity High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, where he became a proud Bobcat and often said his four years there were among the happiest of his life.

After college, Tony served honorably as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army from 1982 to 1985, stationed in Germany. He then returned home and joined the family business, Connecticut Truck & Trailer, working alongside his father. When the business later closed, he founded Connecticut Equipment Sales Company (CESCO), supplying recycling and refuse equipment to municipalities across Connecticut, Western Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Known for his honesty, integrity, and genuine care, Tony built lasting friendships with customers and colleagues alike, carrying forward the values of tenacity, loyalty, and professionalism he learned from his father.

Above all, Tony cherished his family. He is survived by his life partner, Deb Laudano; his sons, Anthony Lawrence Laudano (Susie) of Portland and Justin Evan Laudano (Jasmine) of Westbrook; and his treasured grandsons, Anthony E. Laudano and Colten Speir, who lovingly called him “Poppy.” He also leaves behind his siblings, Sue-Ann Malinconico (Frank) of Old Saybrook and Nick Laudano (Patrice) of Chester, New Jersey; his niece, Riana; his nephews, Nicholas B., Marco, and Nicholas P.; his cousins, Dr. Joseph Kaczvinsky (Colleen) and Donald Kaczvinsky (Julia); and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Susan and Anthony B. Laudano; his aunt and uncle, Lois and Joe Kaczvinsky; his brother-in-law, Jeff Surran; and his best friend and college roommate, William “Bear” Monita.

Tony found joy in life’s simple pleasures—watching birds at the feeder, the sound of waves on the shore, shared meals with loved ones, a crackling fire, and music ranging from R&B to Andrea Bocelli. A devoted sports fan, he especially loved football at every level and took great pride in cheering for the New York Giants and watching his grandsons play youth football. His warmth, humor, generosity, and steadfast love touched everyone who knew him, and his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to call him son, brother, partner, father, grandfather, and friend.