Obituary: Anthony LaLuna Sr.,73, Of Milford, Orange

Information and photo via Cody-White Funeral Home

Anthony J. LaLuna Sr. of Orange, Conn., passed peacefully into the Lord’s care surrounded by family on August 8, 2023, at The Connecticut Hospice in Branford. Having fought cancer for over ten years, the disease finally overcame him.

Tony was born and raised in Bridgeport and grew up visiting and helping on his grandparent's family farm in Easton.

Through the years, he developed a deep passion for the outdoors. He enjoyed riding horses, fishing, and hunting. After meeting the love of his life in the summer of 1965 at 15 years old and marrying in 1967, Tony moved his family to Milford and then to Orange, where he could ride his prized horse, Sheik, in many barrel racing competitions. As well as enjoy his property with his dogs over the years.

Tony was a backyard enthusiast, snowmobile lover, and ATV rider; he owned many toys, tractors, and tools he ever needed. He also collected many classic cars. He enjoyed going to car shows and cruises. Tony would have his grandchildren join him and drive some cars to the shows. He also had a passion for Harley Davidsons. He owned many styles and enjoyed many rides all over New England.

Tony founded and owned Connecticut Air Systems Inc. in Milford, Conn. Having worked in the HVAC field since 1966, he opened CT Air in 1979.

He grew the business from a small tow-behind trailer to its current 15,000 sq. ft. location with 20 employees. He had a love for the trade, a passion for business, and a desire to bring comfort in the form of heating and cooling to people’s homes. He made his name well-known in the Fairfield/New Haven counties.

Tony stepped down in December of 2022, wanting to retire, and passed his life's work, “The Company,” to his sons. Tony was a loving husband, father, brother, and “Papa” to his grandchildren. He cared for his family greatly. May his memory be eternal.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving and devoted wife of 56 years, Diane Podrasky LaLuna, and their three sons, Anthony Jr (Jennifer) of North Haven, Andrew (Maria) of Milford, and Joseph of Orange. Six grandchildren, Joseph Jr, Nicole, Stephen (Sydney), Samantha (Alfred), Marissa (Christian), and Emily, as well as three great-grandchildren, Nico, Aubrey, and Christian. His siblings Raymond Sr, Kathy Lawruszko, brother-in-law Robert Tschilske, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Anthony and Cora LaLuna, his sister Linda Tschilske, sister-in-law Kathy LaLuna and grandchild Joseph Riddle.

Friends and family may join for Calling Hours on Friday, August 11, 2023, at the Cody-White Funeral Home (107 Broad St, Milford CT 06460) from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Infant Church (MEET DIRECTLY AT CHURCH, 450 Racebrook Rd, Orange CT 06477) at 10 a.m. Entombment to follow at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, CT.

In place of flowers, donations in Tony's honor can be made to Connecticut Hospice of Branford as a thank-you for their compassionate care for our beloved "Papa." Donations can be made online at: https://www.hospice.com/donate.

To light a candle or leave a condolence in his memory, please visit the Tribute Wall.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Anthony J. LaLuna Sr., visit the Cody-White Funeral Home Tree Store.