Thomas Joseph LAUFER Sr.

LAUFER, Thomas Joseph Sr.

Thomas Joseph Laufer, Sr., 73, of Windsor, peacefully passed away Thursday, (May 30, 2013) while at home surrounded by his family. Son of the late Daniel Bogey Laufer, Sr. and Anna (Bedient) Laufer, Tom was born and raised in Bridgeport where at the tender age of 15 met the love of his life, Ginny Walker. The two married at 17 just before Tom enlisted in the US Air Force. Tom was stationed in St. Albans, VT and for a short time in Libya, Africa before being honorably discharged in 1963. After completing his service he worked as a pressman and settled in Windsor where he and Ginny lived for the past 50 years. In 1966 Tom began his career in law enforcement by joining the Windsor Police Department and in the early 70s was promoted to Lieutenant with the newly formed East Windsor Police Department. He was proud to be counted among its founding members later becoming the Police Chief of East Windsor followed by years of dedicated service. He retired in 2002 after humbly serving his community for 36 years with integrity and unparalleled professionalism. During his career, Tom continued his education and graduated from the University of New Haven, Westfield State College and the FBI Academy. During his leisure time, he volunteered with Special Olympics, enjoyed biking and running and spending time with his family. At home, Tom was a devoted husband, a gentle father, and a doting grandfather who made each interaction special and full of excitement. Poppy, as he was affectionately called by many, inspired creativity in his grandchildren and encouraged them to use their imaginations whenever possible. Poppy's memory is forever cherished by his wife of 56 years, Virginia Walker Laufer of Windsor; a son, Thomas J. Laufer, Jr. and his wife Donna of Enfield; two daughters, Linda Zizzamia and her husband Rick of Colchester and Tracey Nation and her husband Doug of Ellington; a brother, Charles Laufer of Milford; and six grandchildren, Jennifer and Kristin Zizzamia, Eddie and Samantha Skowronek, Linda Parlapiano, and Brad Nation. He also leaves a wealth of extended family and friends and his buddy, Maggie. Tom was predeceased by his brother, Daniel B. Laufer Jr., and two sisters, Florence Rinaldi and Judy Laufer.
A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Wednesday, 10 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 53 Capitol Ave., Hartford with interment and military honors immediately following in Windsor Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Tom's family will receive friends on Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. at Carmon Funeral Home, 807 Bloomfield Ave. in Windsor. Tom relished in the everyday splendor of life and lived each day to the fullest; please honor him by avoiding the traditional black attire and wearing the brightest colors of the rainbow. To send online notes of condolence, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.