Lawrence J. Anastasia Jr.

LAWRENCE J. ANASTASIA, JR. 81, of Norwalk, died Thursday, July 24, 2008, at the Norwalk Hospital. He was the husband of 55 years of the late Germaine Pouliot Anstasia, who passed away last November. Larry was born in Norwalk December 20, 1926, son of the late Lawrence J. Anastasia, Sr., and the late Ida Christiano Anastasia. He was the former co-owner with his brother Pete of Anastasia Brothers, a landmark on Newtown Ave. for 50 years. As a former State Representative for the 139th District for 18 years, he was most proud of his work with the Veteran's Administration and was often called on for advice from other representatives who later moved on to national recognition. He served as a City Councilman in Norwalk for 12 years and was a founder of the Cranbury Little League, recently having the ball field at the former Roosevelt School named after him and Tom Corbo; now know as Anastasia-Corbo Field. He was very involved in local sports; as a player in high school where he was a 3-sport star, attending all the games he could fit in to his schedule to watch his children and grandchildren play, and played on the U.S.- Korea team during his time in the U.S. Army after being drafted in 1944. Larry was a life member of the Laurel A.C., a member of the Son's of Italy and the V.F.W. and recently had enjoyed trips with his family to the casinos. He was a dedicated and loving father and the joy of his life, along with that of his late wife, was spending time with his adoring grandchildren. Survivors include his children Lawrence Anastasia, III and his wife Nancy of Norwalk, James Anastasia and his wife Janice of Bethel, Susan Grimes and her husband Shaun of Shelton, Gerald Anastasia of Norwalk and Rose Marie Anastasia of Shelton, her grandchildren, Lawrence IV and his wife Sarah, D.J. and his wife Season, Joey, Danny, Matthew, Kayla and Jamie, his brother Peter Anastasia of Milford, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother John Anastasia, and his sister, Marie Trombetta. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, July 26, 10 AM at St. Jerome Church, 23 Half Mile Rd., Norwalk. Burial with full military honors will follow at St. John Cemetery. Larry's family will receive friends at the Magner Funeral Home, 12 Mott Ave., Norwalk, today (Friday) from 4-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Whittingham Cancer Center, 30 Stevens St., Norwalk, 06850