Arthur C. Laske Jr.

LASKE Arthur C. Laske, Jr., 82 of Trumbull, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on March 11, 2011, leaving his family and friends with an enormous sense of loss. Whether Art Laske was skiing on the slopes of Vermont, hiking the Appalachian Trail, participating in a board meeting, or spending time with his family, he was a warm and gracious man. Comfortable in his own skin, he handled all of life's challenges confidently and gracefully. Art and his wife Lorraine recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on January 14, 2011, and at an event to mark that occasion one could sense his tremendous love for and pride in his family, and his appreciation for the dear friendships that remained a part of his life until his passing. Art was the second born child of Arthur C. Laske Sr., and Evelyn Strasburger Laske and grew up in the Long Hill section of Trumbull. He graduated from Fairfield College Preparatory School as a member of Prep's first four-year class in 1946, and was honored to be a part of the "Latin Scholars" reunion group of Prep graduates. He was a business major in Fairfield University's first graduating class in 1951 and he worked as a sales representative for the American Chain and Cable Company in Bridgeport for many years before his retirement. Art lived his life as a true "man for others", and he received great satisfaction and happiness from his service to his country, schools and community. He was a Captain in the United States Army National Guard and a long-serving member of the Connecticut National Guard. As an active member of the Fairfield University community, Art was a member of the President's Circle, served on the Alumni Board of Directors for many years, was the recipient of the University's Alumni Association Service Award in 2003 and was particularly proud to have been awarded an honorary "Doctoratus Legum" degree from Fairfield University in 2005. As the Treasurer of the William T. Morris Foundation, Art was able to support many local scholarship and charitable organizations, and as a board member and past Chairman of the St. Vincent's Medical Center Foundation he was especially proud of his efforts in support of the annual "Swim Across the Sound" fundraising campaigns. His work with these wonderful institutions and his affiliations with the people at Fairfield University and St. Vincent's were a source of true inspiration and joy for Art in his retirement years. Art leaves his wife and partner of 50 years, Lorraine Curley Laske, with whom he raised three children, shared the joy of nine beautiful grandchildren, and who was his constant companion in an adventure that allowed them to travel to Norway, England, Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, Ireland, Hungary, Germany and throughout the United States after their children were grown. He is survived by his daughter Susan Laske Eilertsen and her husband Kjell Eilertsen of Trondheim, Norway and their children, Kristen and Jack; his son Arthur C. Laske III, his children John, Joseph, Nathaniel and Anna, and their mother, Linda Pesce Laske, of Easton; his daughter Lauren Laske Hartnett and her husband Bryan Hartnett of Franklin, Massachusetts, and their daughters Lindsey, Kate, and Tara; and his sister Marilyn Laske Chisnall and her husband David Chisnall of Trumbull. Art lived a full and rewarding life, surrounded by the love of his family, and comforted and strengthened by the many bonds of true and dear friendship that were so important to him. He will be terribly missed and loved forever by his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and his many friends. May he rest in peace. In order to allow for family members living abroad to attend his services, calling hours will be held from 4 until 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 17, 2011, at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road in Trumbull. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Christ the King Church, 4700 Madison Avenue in Trumbull on Friday, March 18, 2011, at 9:30 a.m. with interment to follow immediately at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, also in Trumbull. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in Art Laske's memory to the St. Vincent's Swim Across the Sound, c/o St. Vincent's Medical Center Foundation, 2800 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT 06606. To light a virtual candle, visit us at www.abriola.com.