Anthony "Tony" Laudano

1960 - 2026

Anthony (Tony) Laudano
March 5, 1960 - March 4, 2026
With hearts full of sadness, love, and deep gratitude, we share that Anthony Andrew "Tony" Laudano of Branford, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026. Tony lived a life defined by hard work, integrity, and an unwavering devotion to his family. He was a down-to-earth, humble guy… a cherished son, brother, godfather, partner, uncle, father, grandfather, veteran and loyal friend whose kindness and warmth touched many lives.
Born on March 5th, 1960 in New Haven, Tony grew up in North Haven and Woodbridge and was a graduate of Amity High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, where he proudly became a Bobcat. Tony often reflected that his four years in the Buckeye State were among the happiest of his life. The friendships he formed, the experiences he had and the values he developed there stayed with him throughout his life.
After college, Tony served his country honorably as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army from 1982 to 1985, while stationed in Germany. Following his military service, he returned home and joined the family business, Connecticut Truck & Trailer, where he worked alongside his father and learned invaluable lessons about business, character, and life.
When the family business later closed, Tony embraced a new chapter with determination and entrepreneurial spirit. He founded Connecticut Equipment Sales Company (CESCO), providing recycling and refuse equipment to municipalities throughout Connecticut, Western Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Known for his honesty, integrity, and genuine care for others, Tony treated his customers like friends-many of whom became exactly that. His approach to business was deeply shaped by the wisdom he gained from working beside his father. He valued tenacity, loyalty, and professionalism, proudly representing the highest-quality products in the industry and enjoying the camaraderie of colleagues and customers at the annual CASHO trade show gatherings.
Above all else, Tony cherished his family.
He is survived by his life partner, Deb Laudano; his beloved sons, Anthony Lawrence Laudano (Susie) of Portland, CT, and Justin Evan Laudano (Jasmine) of Westbrook, CT; and his treasured grandsons, Anthony E. Laudano and Colten Speir, who lovingly knew him as "Poppy."
He also leaves behind his loving siblings, Sue-Ann Malinconico (Frank) of Old Saybrook, CT, and Nick Laudano (Patrice) of Chester, NJ; his niece, Riana; and his nephews, Nicholas B., Marco, and Nicholas P. He will also be fondly remembered by his dear cousins, Dr. Joseph Kaczvinsky (Colleen) and Donald Kaczvinsky (Julia), along with many wonderful friends and extended family members who meant so much to him.
He is also survived by his former wife, MaryBeth, the mother of his son Anthony Lawrence.
Tony was predeceased by his beloved parents, Susan and Anthony B. Laudano; his dear aunt and uncle Lois and Joe Kaczvinsky; and more recently - his brother-in-law Jeff Surran; as well as his best friend, college roommate and brother William "Bear" Monita.
Tony found great joy in life's simple but meaningful moments-the sound of birds chirping at the feeder outside his home office window, waves rolling onto the shore, sharing a wonderful meal with family and friends, the warmth of a crackling fire and listening to his favorite music from R & B to Andrea Bocelli. He was deeply grateful to God for the many blessings in his life. He loved his country and the town of Branford, which he proudly called home for more than forty years. The beach was his happy place and he was never more content than when he had sand between his toes and the ocean breeze on his face.
Tony was a devoted sports fan. Each year the family had a friendly March Madness bracket competition and although he never won, he loved the banter and the fun tradition. It will not be the same next week without his long shot picks and good-humored ribbing! After his family and a solid day's work- football was his passion! Tony enjoyed watching football at absolutely every level-from great college matchups to NFL Sundays- cheering on his treasured New York Giants. He took special pride in watching his grandsons play youth football – supporting them with pride and boundless encouragement. He and his nine- year-old grandson, Anthony Edward would excitedly discuss recent trades, player statistics and game strategies as if they were part of the SportsCenter lineup. It was pure joy!
Tony's warmth, humor, generosity, and unwavering love for those around him left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Though he will be deeply missed, his spirit lives on in the hearts of the family and friends who were blessed to know and love him. May his legacy of kindness, friendship, and devotion bring comfort and inspiration to all who carry his memory forward.
Funeral services for Tony will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at the First Congregational Church of Branford, 1009 Main Street, Branford, CT. A visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., and a celebration of Tony's life will begin at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Branford Center Cemetery. All are invited to gather for a luncheon in his honor at Café Fiore in Branford at 12:30 a.m. The W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford is in care of arrangements. Please see his online memorial @ www.wsclancy.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Tony's memory may be made to charities he passionately supported: The Community Dining Room, 30 Harrison Avenue, Branford, CT 06405 (communitydiningroom.org), or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org).