Louis Tafuto

Louis Tafuto, 76, of West Hartford (formerly New Haven) died peacefully at home on October 31, 2025, following a five-year battle with cancer. He was born on March 23, 1949, in New Haven, CT to the late Mary (Palumbo) Tafuto and Francis (Frank) Tafuto. He was predeceased by his son Jason Hannigan and his sister Diane (Tafuto) Canter. He leaves behind his wife of 49 years, Yvonne (Durivage) Tafuto, his son Jamie, his wife Lauren (Stabile), grandchildren Anna and Will Tafuto, his daughter-in-law Mary Painter and grandchildren Owen and Jojo Painter.
Kindhearted and full of life, Lou always saw the good in people. Known as the family jokester, his sisters-in-law, aka the Durivage girls, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren have countless humorous stories about Uncle Lou-Lou's antics and one liners. Lou remained close with his two cousins William Olsen (Julie) and Robert Olsen (Donna). Their early years on Whalley Avenue formed the foundation of love, family values and caring for others. On Whalley Ave, he began honing his humor and pranks, at times sending his mother into cardiac arrest as he walked the narrow third floor porch railing. He was blessed to have still been best friends with his childhood buddy William (Bill) McCormick (Sandi) for over 60 years.
Starting his career in Phoenix, AZ, Lou was a favorite of the children and staff at Sunflower Special Education School. The Phoenix years were unique, sharing living space and childrearing responsibilities with dear friends Paul and Sherry Hannigan. Their boys Lane Hannigan (Wendy) and Todd Hannigan (Bridgette) remember Lou fondly as the favorite uncle and second dad. Returning to his east coast roots, Lou joined the staff of Carmen Arace Middle School, Bloomfield, CT for an additional 31 years. Lou brought along his charm, wit, and pranks. He made lifelong friends through their shared love of children and commitment to their education. Painting houses with his teacher buddies and sons in the summer made for more hilarious stories. UCONN basketball games, NCAA March Madness and Friday poker games were the talk of the teachers' break room. The "Italian Club" of DiPippo, Testa, Pisati and Tafuto was legendary carrying on into retirement.
Lou loved food, fantasy sports, Seinfeld, Jimmy Hendrix, rock music, hiking with the Jimmy Leggers Hiking Club, running, crossword puzzles, and good movies. Most of all, he cherished his role as a father and grandfather. He loved to brag about the accomplishments of his sons and grandchildren. He could be a little overzealous rooting for Jason and Jamie's little league baseball teams. He once found himself on the wrong side of an argument with an umpire and was asked, not so politely, to leave the game.
Lou also drove elderly residents, making a dear friend in Tom Delaney as they shared adventures and captivating conversations during their weekly outings. Then, there's Jigsi Jackson, his secret girlfriend and fellow prankster. She loved it when he sped up to make it through a yellow light. He followed her instructions on how to pick out the best items in the grocery store. His wife never got that special treatment!
The stories could go on forever. King of the quips, everyone who knew him came to love him and his unique humor.
Lou put up a gallant effort fighting a rare, nasty cancer for five years. We will forever be grateful for the extraordinary care he received at the Avon location of Hartford Health Care's Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Institute from Dr. Timothy Hong, Stephanie Sigmund, APRN and infusion nurses Rehka, Jen D., Amy L., Kaylee, Jen B., Karen, front office staff, Jose, and the rest of the support team.
The essence of Lou was kindness, compassion, wit, and deep love for his wife, family and friends. Ever humble and self-deprecating, Lou had no idea of the remarkable joy he brought to so many. He leaves us with his favorite one liner: "come back when you can't stay as long."
Calling hours will be from 2:30-4:30 on Saturday, Nov. 8 at Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave., West Hartford, followed by a Celebration of Life at Rockledge Grille, 289 South Main Street, West Hartford at 5:30 pm. All are invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks people to consider a donation to The Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Institute at Hartford Health Care, 85 Retreat Ave, Hartford, CT 06106.