As the sun rose on Saturday, September 17TH Laura passed away peacefully while holding the hands of her son and daughter in law, surrounded by her loving family. Born in New Haven March 21, 1957 the daughter of Antoinette Amore Florio and the late Eugene Florio. She was the loving wife of 44 years to Michael. Mother of Michael and Joe (Taryn). Sister of Dennis Florio (Audrey), Brenda Ruggiero (Richard). Brother-in-law Joe Luzzi (Charlotte). Aunt of Jennifer and David Fiore, Nick and Heather Florio, Ashley and Greg Fowler, Alex Florio, Margaret and Marcelo Mena, Natalie and Tyler Willis. Also survived by 9 great nieces and nephews. Laura was a lifelong Hamden resident, graduating from Hamden High School and continuing on to receive her degree from Southern CT State University. Laura was passionate in her faith, a loyal and devout Catholic. She was a founding member and parishioner of Ascension Church. She worked for the Town of Hamden Parks and Recreation Department for 27 years, only retiring just days before her passing. Laura also worked for Neighborhood Realty Company as a part time real estate agent. Laura was an amazing swimmer, receiving multiple national accolades but you’d never know because she didn’t like to brag. She was a member of the Hamden Heronettes since the inception in 1970. Laura and her sister Brenda had the privilege to swim together as a duet pair. Laura swam in meets nationally and won the Pan American Games Gold Metal 1979 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Most recently, in 2021 Laura was inducted into the United States Swimming Hall of Fame in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Laura took great pride in her heritage, offering any spare time in her busy life schedule to various civic associations such as the Saint Andrews Ladies Society and Greater New Haven Sons and Daughters of Italy Lodge # 37. Laura was the Chairman of the Board of Greater New Haven Columbus Day Committee and the Co-Chair of the Wooster Street Monument Committee, all of which she was very proud of. Laura was the most selfless, giving, strong, and courageous woman. A calm, accepting and nurturing character exuded from her, and she was a confidant to many. Her true pride and joy was her family for whom she loved deeply and always protected until the end. Laura was a loving and loyal wife, and a brave and inspirational mother. She would do anything and everything for her family and she was the light of our lives. Laura was the rock of the family. She loved to travel to Aruba and received great joy from attending dinners and shows in Manhattan with family and friends. The Luzzi household doors were wide open for all family to enjoy especially on Thanksgiving, as she took great pride in hosting annually even when it became challenging for her. Laura was a true warrior. She fought a lengthy, difficult, and exhausting battle with cancer for the last nine years. But not once did she ever waver. Laura never let her diagnosis define her and she lived her life on her terms; she was so persistent she continued to work full time until her passing. She was full of positivity and optimism, and always saw the good in people. She was a mentor and a friend to so many, blessing us all along the way. She battled with dignity and grace, our real-life superhero. Now may she rest in eternal peace. The family would like to extend their deepest thanks and gratitude to all of Laura’s healthcare providers at Smilow Cancer Hospital over the years; notably Dr. Lilembaum, Dr. Wilson, and Vanna Dest APRN. Thank you to all the nurses and caring personnel who supported her during her courageous battle with cancer. Laura leaves behind her beloved family dog Blu, who always loved and protected her. She will be sorely missed by all, never forgotten, and forever loved.
The visiting hours will be Tuesday, Sept. 20th from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at The Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. Family and friends are invited to go directly to St. Paul VI Parish/Church of the Ascension, 1050 Dunbar Hill Road, Hamden on Wednesday morning, Sept. 21st at 10:00 to attend a Mass of Christian burial and are also invited to attend the committal service immediately following in All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting all donations be made in Laura’s honor to Smilow Cancer Hospital or to Team Tony’s Tigers, Closer to Free Fund, P.O. Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508.
I miss my very best friend, like a sister we loved each other deeply. The days are a bit dim without her, but I take solace in knowing these days will shine brighter again while she is in the hands of our Lord and Savior Jesus. She lives on through eternity. I hope to see her again by trying to be a sliver as good and kind as she was here with us. My love forever to Michael, Joe and Taryn and Mike Jr.
Words cannot express how we feel about the loss of our dear cousin
Laura. She the most sweet, calm, generous and loving person. I could
go on and on listing all her wonderful qualities but those who
knew her best will agree that she was one of a kind. She will truly be
missed. She made a mark on this earth that will never be forgotten. We will love and miss her always.
Love, Uncle Paul, Cousins, Carmela, Roberta, Bob and Rebecca.
Brenda, Mrs. Florio and Mike and all of Laura’s family,
I am so very sorry for the loss of Laura, a truly beautiful soul. May she fly with the Angels…
My deepest sympathy to you all,
Meg Atzbach Jenkins
To Laura’s family and close friends,
Please accept my sympathy and prayers at this most difficult time. Laura & I went to Hamden High School together and she was always warm & kind. Every now and then we would see one another in town and she was just as lovely.
May the love and memories you share bring comfort always.
Sincerely,
Susan Derbacher
Not only was Laura a warrior she was a gentle, kind person. She brought a smile to the faces of everyone who knew her. She was always ready to help in any way was she could and she never ever gave up.
How lucky we were to have our sweet Laura in our lives. We will always keep her in our hearts and prayers. And we will always love her.
God bless and keep you dear cousin and friend. Annette. &Bill
We are so sorry to say good bye to our cousin and friend Laura. She was as lovely on the inside as she was on the outside. She was strong and loving and set a wonderful example.
Hers was a life well lived. She always did her best and never, ever gave up! She enjoyed life and always found the good, even in a terrible day.
We will always keep Laura in our hearts and prayers. She is in God’s hands now; she has earned her eternal reward. Annette & Bill
Thoughts and prayers are with all of the Luzzi family. Had the privilege to work with Laura at the Town of Hamden. This loss is not only a loss for the family but also a loss to the Town of Hamden. RIP Laura.
To the Luzzi Family,
Laura was a woman who was very dear to my heart. She will be missed dearly every summer. I worked with Laura at Green Dragons camp. My supervisor. A woman who always was so helpful and understanding to everything which had to dealt with the children. I will never forget her kind words and her smiling face everyday or morning in the summer . Laura told me stories when she use to work with my dad Douglas Washington. Now you and my dad can rest you there in heaven . Laura you fought the fight without ever giving up..Now you can rest Laura. Alway will love and miss you dearly.
Love your dear friend,
Kim Washington❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏
I am very sad to hear about Laura’s death. It sounds like she led a faithful, loving, and purposeful life in accordance with her strong values. Indeed, that is a life well-lived. I am sorry for this tremendous loss for all the people (and pup) that loved Laura. It has been said that the depth of our grief equals the depth of our love. I believe that the grief honors this love. I can’t get to the memorial services this week, but I hope at some point in the future there might be another memorial for Laura in which I can participate. I would be grateful for that opportunity. I will hold all of you in my heart in the coming days. Love, Janine
Dear Mike and Family:
We are so sorry to learn of Laura’s passing. She was the dearest person we’ve ever known. May she rest in the Lord’s arms as she watches over all of you.
With deepest sympathy.
John & Patty Lujick
To the family and friends of Laura Luzzi. I extend my deepest sympathies. May she rest in peace. Amen.
Nancy LaBonia Gottlieb
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Laura. May she rest in the peace of the Lord, Amen.
My heart is breaking for your entire family Brenda. 💕 I grew up a Winter Haven White Dolphin (1969-1978) and have wonderful memories of the amazing performances by the Hamden Heronettes — but more specifically you both. May you find peace and enjoy family memories in the days to come.
My younger sister Linda died June 29 (10-month cancer battle). It’s my faith that is helping guide me through the pain of losing a sibling (especially a sister). Prayers lifted for you all. 😢💕🙏🏻
Mike and family Ron and I are so sorry for the loss. Laura was such a wonderful person. Loved her❤️❤️❤️😢
My deepest sympathy to Laura’s entire family during this time. With thoughts & prayers
May she Rest In Peace!
Mike Funaro🙏🙏
Sending my condolences to the Lizzie family.🙏🙏
I am so sorry for your loss. I have known Laura for a short time but her smile and humor lifter up other. It is with a heavy heat that I have to say goodbye.
Mike and Family-
I feel so fortunate to have known Laura. She truly was such a kind, caring and thoughtful woman. I enjoyed chatting with her when I visited Government Center. She was smart as well, with a good sense of humor. I will miss her dearly.
Love, Susan Rubino
To the Florio and Luzzi family we extend our condolences, love and prayers Laura was like no other. She was loved by all who knew her
My condolences to Mike and the entire Luzzi family.
Jody Dietch
We send Laura’s family & friends our sincere condolences and will keep all of you in our prayers. It was an honor being one of her cousin’s. She was truly one of a kind. Heaven has gained a special angel and I’m sure her Dad is happy to be reunited with her as well as other family and friends! May God comfort you during this difficult time. 🤗❤️🙏. Joe and Anna Ferretti
Dear Michael Luzzi and Family,
I am so sorry to learn of Laura’s passing. It has been an honor and a pleasure to have worked with Laura through the Columbus Day Committee over the years. She was intelligent, professional, gentle, and appreciative of everyone she came in contact with. Although I was not able to attend the services, I want you to know that I was deeply touched by this news and my thoughts were with your families. May she rest in peace.
Dear Brenda & family
I am so sincerely sorry to hear of the loss of Laura
I did come to the wake
There was no parking in the main lot and a very long line
I recently bust some minor surgery but could not walk far or stand Laura was a lovely young woman and set such a