Anthony Joseph LaCava Jr.

Anthony (Tony) J. LaCava Jr, 89, passed away peacefully from natural causes on February 18th, 2026 in Hamden, Connecticut. Born in Waterbury, CT in 1936 to Anthony Sr. and Josephine (Testa) LaCava, Tony attended Crosby High School and earned a bachelor's degree from Wesleyan University in 1958. He later completed a master's degree at Colgate University, and pursued postgraduate studies in history and education at Cornell University.

After early positions at Wesleyan and Colgate, and leading anti-poverty and community health initiatives in New Haven and Waterbury, Tony's professional life focused on advocacy for the disabled. Having survived a serious illness that left him with some motor skill impairment, he had a personal understanding of some of the barriers that exist for the disabled. One of the highlights of his career was attending the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act at the White House in 1990, alongside colleagues from across the country. He referred to the Act's passage as historic and hard won, but 'just a start' in ensuring access and equal rights for the disabled.

For many years, until his retirement, Tony served as Executive Director of one of Connecticut's Centers for Independent Living–the Disability Resource Center of Fairfield County (now Access Independence). He was recognized for his years of advocacy with a citation from the Connecticut State Legislature, the Shelley Teed Lifetime Achievement Award from Independence Northwest, and as an ADA Groundbreaker by the Americans with Disabilities Coalition of Connecticut on the 20th anniversary of the ADA's passage in 2010. Tony was respected by his colleagues and former classmates for leading by example, and loved and appreciated by those around him for his thoughtful curiosity and genuine interest in their lives.

Tony enjoyed traveling the world with Cliff Morgan, his devoted partner of 44 years, and spending time with family and friends at home and abroad. He was known for his love of the Pittsburgh Pirates, enjoyed attending his grandson's sporting events, visits from his granddaughter, sharing his love of cooking great food, and had a passionate interest in current affairs. His greatest gifts to his children were an enduring intellectual curiosity, the encouragement to pursue their dreams wherever they led, and the example of living an authentic life.

In his later years, as his physical challenges increased, Tony was able to remain in his home thanks to Cliff's loving support, the support of nearby family, home health aides, and the accessibility adaptations and training he had championed for others during his career. His beloved and rascally Havanese dog, Fred, was a constant companion—often riding along in his wheelchair and bringing comfort in his final years.

Tony was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.

He is survived by his partner, Clifford Morgan of Hamden, Connecticut; his brother, Robert LaCava and his wife, Connie LaCava, of Middlebury, Connecticut; his four children with his former partner, Concetta Fucito Pendrick (dec.): Lynda LaCava and her partner, Michelle De Ruijter, of Vlissingen, the Netherlands; Scott LaCava and wife, Juliet Bryce, of Amesbury, Massachusetts; Laura LaCava of Copenhagen, Denmark; and Christopher LaCava of New Haven, Connecticut. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Callum LaCava of Massachusetts; Satya LaCava of the Netherlands; and Sarah Stambaugh of California; as well as his beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

The family extends a heartfelt thanks to the staff of Arden Care Center for their compassionate care in his final year.

A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, April 11th, at 12:00 PM at Peter H. Torello & Son Funeral Home, located at 1022 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden.