Anthony Richard Lauro

Anthony Richard Lauro
Anthony Richard Lauro, of Fort Myers, Florida, formerly of New Haven, passed away November 3, 2025, in Fort Myers, Florida. He was the beloved husband of the late Anne Marie Lauro for 60 years. Tony was born in New Haven on November 17, 1934, son of the late John and Florence Lauro, stepson of the late Rose Lauro, and brother of the late John Lauro. Greatest and most loving father, best friend and absolute hero to his son, Anthony Dominic Lauro, and his late daughter, Marcy Anne Vogel. Devoted and loving grandfather of Katherine Elizabeth Lauro, Emily Marie Lauro and Joshua James Vogel, equally dedicated and loving great-grandfather of Julice (LJ) Edward Sams IV and Dominic Jamar Sams, and welcoming and loving to Sherlyn Solanoy and Xhaun Alexi Solanoy. Tony honorably served his country as a proud member of the United States Army, and also proudly served the Catholic Church and community as a Fourth Degree Sir Knight in the Knights of Columbus.
Tony was a well-known and highly respected sales and marketing executive in the petroleum industry for over 65 years, and a great mentor to many, with his legendary accomplishments and incredible brilliance earning him the moniker "the man, the myth, the legend" from colleagues and competitors alike. Until the last few months, Tony routinely amazed those around him by lifting weights, throwing the football, and playing golf, basketball, bocce, tennis, pickleball and ping pong with incredible energy, strength and skill. He notably celebrated his 88th, 89th and 90th birthdays ice skating, lifting weights, playing basketball (draining three pointers from all over the court) and golfing. Tony was always playful and active with his loved ones, whether playing sports, cards (his fun, animated way of dealing cards for poker was a family favorite), games, dolls, toy cars, etc., or singing karaoke with unparalleled enthusiasm. His renditions of "My Way", "American Pie", "Big Bad John" and "Me and Bobby McGee" are among the family favorites. Seemingly ageless, Tony was consistently the first person everyone wanted on their team when choosing sides for family sports and games, as his team always won. He also delighted his family with his delicious cooking, being best known for his turkey, pork roast, meatballs and "pas" (pasta), butter and eggs. Most importantly, Tony was the kindest, gentlest and most compassionate, unselfish, thoughtful, warm and loving man who truly touched and bettered the lives of all who were blessed to know him. He will forever live in our hearts.
Visiting hours will be held Saturday morning on November 15, 2025, from 8:30-10:30 a.m., in the Iovanne Funeral Home, Inc., 11 Wooster Place in New Haven. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Michael Church – Blessed Michael McGivney Parish, at 11:00 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Lawrence Cemetery. Share a memory or offer a message of condolence by visiting his Tribute page at www.iovanne.com.