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.