Louis Frank Lenti, 80, passed away on October 26, 2024, on the Claire A Weiss ward of Middlesex Hospital after a brief illness. Born on July 20, 1944, Lou was raised in Torrington, Connecticut by his immigrant grandparents, Luigi Lenti and Caterina Ginestroni. Lou’s father, Adolpho Lenti, was a tail gunner in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. Adolpho gave his life in service to his country, likely without knowing that he had a son. Lou’s young mother, Veronica Mae “Dolly” Ross, without her own family to support her, understandably struggled to care for her newborn son after the tragic death of her husband. Although Dolly was a distant figure in Lou’s life, Lou and his family reconnected with her and his half-brother, Jack Delaney, just before he turned 60. This happy reunion was published in The Register Citizen in 2006.
Although both of his grandparents passed during his teen years, Lou was able to attend Southern Connecticut State University (well, College at that time) on the G.I. Bill. Lou earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History in 1966 and remained an erudite historian throughout his life. The years at SCSC were of great importance to Lou because he met many life-long friends. He also met the love of his life, Clairessa A. Weiss. Throughout his life he would tell the story of how he saw Claire on campus and told his friends that he would marry her one day. Lou and Claire were, in fact, married in October 1967 and remained together for 50 years, until Claire’s passing in 2017. Together they raised two children, Louis and Catherine, and had six grand-children and one great grandchild.
Although he never sought fame, fame found Lou in many ways. A dead ringer for George Harrison, in the mid 1960s, he was asked to join The Beetles on tour as George’s stand in. Despite being an avid Beetles lover, he declined. During his middle years, his outgoing and gregarious personality caused him to find himself occasionally on the radio as “Lighting Lou.” And, later in life, after meeting a prolific author, his name was incorporated into one of his many books.
A man of many interests, Lou enjoyed cooking, wood working, nature, fishing, reading and playing guitar. His coworkers will fondly remember him as “The Cheese Man.” Who could forget that delicious Liuzzi ricotta? His close family and friends will recall countless jam sessions and singalongs with songs from John Denver, Jim Croce, The Everly Brothers, the Mammas and the Pappas and other artists from the 1960s and 1970s. Lou also was an avid Yankees and Jets fan and never, ever changed his allegiances over the years, even when his teams did poorly and he lost his patience. Lou also had a particular fondness for New Orleans, which he visited on several occasions with his wife and in-laws, and Disney World where he traveled numerous times with his children and grandchildren to “see Mickey”. Lou also loved his peaceful cottages at the lake where he and Claire would both spend their final days.
Despite his many interests, at the center of Lou’s life was his family and small circle of friends, particularly during the holidays, when he created delicious food and lasting memories. Undoubtedly, his greatest achievement in life was supporting his family both emotionally and financially in whatever way he could. Whether he was attending endless baseball games, musicals and dance recitals or providing cash for diapers, art lessons or horseback riding, he was always there. Lou was a loving, generous and compassionate person cherished by those who knew him. He also was, and always will be, my greatest champion. I am sure that my brother would say the same. I thank my Dad for his love and support, which has been the foundation for everything in my life. He touched many lives and truly will be missed.
Lou is survived by his loving family, including his son, Louis H. Lenti (Pamela); daughter, Catherine A. Lenti (Robert Stawarz); granddaughters, Kaitlyn, Marisa, Jillian (“AJ”), Elizabeth (“Zi”) and Charlotte; grandson, Robert Cameron (“Cameron”); great-grandson, Louis Cashius (“Cashie”); and sister-in-law Doreen Smith (Brad). Lou was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Claire and his half-brother, Jack Delaney.
A private burial will be held at St. John Catholic Cemetery, 400 Christian Street in Wallingford, Connecticut.
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