Wayne Richard Lentini

Wayne Richard Lentini, 83, of Palm Bay, Florida, formerly of Newington, Connecticut, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, August 9, 2025, surrounded by those he trusted most-Saul, Darren, Rebeck, and Andres-after facing his final days courageously and on his own terms.

Born in New Britain on June 12, 1942, Wayne was the second son of the late Angelo and Johanna (Buchas) Lentini. Before retiring, he worked for the New Britain Herald and Liturgical Publications, Inc., and was a longtime member of Lighthouse Family Worship Center in New Britain.

Wayne was happiest outdoors-whether under the sun at the Connecticut shoreline, exploring the New Hampshire, and Vermont wilderness, enjoying the rugged beauty of coastal Maine, relaxing on the beaches of the Caribbean and Florida, or in later years, sunbathing at home with a morning coffee or an evening Corona with lime.

Though he could be uncompromising and quick with humor, Wayne was, at his core, a deeply caring, compassionate, devoted, forgiving, generous, and loving friend, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor, and uncle. He was the one people could count on-to listen without judgment, offer wise counsel when asked, give a warm hug, provide a meal or drink, or even open his home to those in need. His truest character was revealed in quiet acts of kindness, especially his unheralded generosity to strangers during the holidays, both locally and abroad-gestures he never boasted about or sought recognition for.

Wayne will be deeply missed by his best friend, caretaker, and companion, Saul Clavijo, with whom he made his home; his nephews, Darren M. Messina and Rebeck P. Gutierrez of Maui, Hawaii, who, along with Saul, ensured he was comfortable, loved, and at peace in his final days; and his close friends and chosen family-Andres, Daniel, Edel, "Mamma" Fabiola, Jonathan, Kenny, Lucas, Nicolas, Ricky, Sandra, and Veronica.

He also leaves his children, Todd W. Lentini and wife Tracey; Cheryl (Lentini) Hoffmann and husband Rand of Plantsville, CT; and Craig M. Lentini and wife Micheline of Berlin, CT; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sisters Andrea Colon of Southington and Vanessa Lentini of New Britain; and several nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Wayne was predeceased by his beloved wife of nearly 42 years, Gail (Messina) Lentini, whom he missed deeply every day for the past 21 years; his brother, Darryl G. Lentini; his sister, Cynthia (Lentini) Fetterman; and his cherished Himalayan cat of 20 years, "Princess." He will be lovingly laid to eternal rest beside Gail at West Meadow Cemetery in Newington.

A beautiful graveside service will be held on Friday August 22nd, 2025 at 11:00 am at West Meadow Cemetery, Willard Ave., Newington. In lieu of flowers, friends and family are invited to honor Wayne's memory by planting a tree through American Forests (www.americanforests.org) or making a memorial contribution to the American Cancer Society (donate.cancer.org) or the American Heart Association (www.heart.org).

To share a memory or leave condolences, please visit www.funkfuneralhome.com.