John Laudano, 90, of Middletown, Connecticut, died peacefully at his home on October 24, 2026. Born in Hartford, Connecticut in 1936, John spent his early years in Cromwell, Connecticut. He graduated from Middletown High School and served in the United States Navy. Following his military service, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Quinnipiac University.

John met the woman who would become his loving wife of 64 years, then Donna Kelly, in 1956, while the two were working together at Weiner Auto Parts. They married in 1962. John went on to become a Mechanical Engineer at Stanley Works (now Stanley Black & Decker). He was also a talented craftsman, tinkerer and creator who could build, repair or improve just about anything. For many years, he operated a furniture caning and repair service called “The Chairman,” through which he restored and beautified caned chairs and other caned furniture, sometimes donating his time to a local charity.

Family was everything to John. He never missed an opportunity to spend time with his four children, their families and his grandchildren. He particularly loved sharing with them his passion for the outdoors and his remarkable knowledge of tools, woodworking and machinery.

One of his outdoor passions was kayaking, and John could be found paddling waterways throughout Connecticut into his 91st year, accompanied by family and friends. John took up billiards in his 80s and greatly enjoyed the friendships he made and time spent playing pool at the senior centers in Cromwell and Middletown.

John is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Donna Laudano; his son John Laudano, Jr. and wife, Linda; his son Kevin Laudano and wife, Christel; his daughter Karen Laudano; his son Paul Laudano and wife, Louise; his grandchildren, Brianna, Henry and Emmie, and many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family. John was predeceased by his parents John and Olive Laudano, his sister, Anne Hackney, and his brother, Patrick Laudano.

John will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his kindness, curiosity and generosity, as well as his remarkable ability to build and fix things, and the joy he found in sharing his interests with those he loved.

A Mass will be celebrated at St. Pius X Church, 310 Westfield Street in Middletown at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 29th. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to Friends of Indian Hill, P.O. Box 176, Middletown, CT 06457. . To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.