Louis J. "Lou" Fiano

1949 - 2021

New London - Louis J. "Lou" Fiano, 71, of New London, died Friday, July 9, 2021, at the Yale New Haven Hospital in New Haven, surrounded by loved ones, after unexpectedly suffering from a hemorrhagic stroke on July 4th. He was born in New London, Dec. 11, 1949, the son of Consolato and Sarina Antognietti Fiano. He graduated from New London High School in 1967, and continued his education at Northeastern University in Boston, where he graduated with a political science degree in 1972. He worked for the Department of Labor in Boston after graduation. Lou met his first wife, Janice Cohen Fiano, in Boston, and they were married Sept. 29, 1974. After the birth of their son Matthew in 1978, they relocated back to Southeastern Connecticut to raise their family. Lou then changed careers and worked in sales, specializing in home décor and carpeting. He spent over 20 years working for Kalamian's Rug Shop, where he provided many customers in southeast Connecticut with design expertise.

Lou was predeceased by his first wife Janice in 2003. He was a devoted husband and lovingly cared for her during her many years of chronic illness. After Jan passed, Lou would often enjoy a cocktail and listen to music at the Lighthouse Inn in New London. One rainy Saturday night in 2005, he met a woman there named Linda Smith, asked her to dance, and the two quickly became regular Saturday night dance partners, often to the songs from their favorite group, the Karl Kelly band. They soon fell in love, became inseparable, and were married Aug. 4, 2012. They were both blessed to have found each other and enjoyed every day together.

Lou was a man of many words, who loved to give advice and share his wisdom. He never judged anyone and would listen to anyone who needed an ear. His family was of upmost importance to him. He had a very close relationship with his son Matt, and was always his biggest supporter. His grandchildren, Audra and Griffin Fiano, were the light of his life. He was such a proud Pop, and was always in attendance at their softball, baseball and basketball games - he was definitely one of their biggest fans. Lou was also a loyal New York Giants and Yankees fan, despite them often disappointing him.

Lou is survived by his wife Linda Fiano of New London; son and daughter-in-law Matthew and Jenelle Fiano of Waterford; stepson Barry Smith Jr. of Detroit, Mich.; sister and brother-in-law Mary and Ed Sweeney of New London; grandchildren: Audra and Griffin Fiano, IJaaz Rucker, Courtney Weaver and Bukari and Sarah Smith. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren; nephews; and extended family and friends.

Calling hours will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 29, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, July 30, at St. Joseph Church, followed by interment in St. Mary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, (www.stjude.org). Condolences may be shared on Louis' memorial page at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.