Louis J. Cannata, 92, of Middletown, Connecticut, husband of the late, Ines B. Cannata, departed this life on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at Middlesex Hospital Hospice Unit after a short illness.

Lou was born on March 7, 1931 in Middletown, Connecticut to Sebastian and Anna (Massella) Cannata.  He was born and raised in Middletown, and proudly served in the United States Air National Guard.  In 1955, Louis, along with his brother-in-law, Eli Rascati, took over the family business which became C&R Grocery on Stack Street in Middletown's North End.  In the 1970's, he ran "Food Town" on Saybrook Road in Middletown, and later, until his retirement, he owned and operated "Lou's Food Stop" on East Main Street in Middletown.

Lou and Ines were married for 61 years, and they loved to travel, especially to Aruba.  They also enjoyed their many winters at their home in Bradenton, Florida. Lou was known for making his Stampede Olives and Giuggiulena Sesame Candy around Christmas. At family gatherings, Lou would always have a bottle of Sambuca for all to share. He was an avid Uconn Huskies fan and loved tending to his many flower gardens.

Lou is survived by his son, Jimmy (Lisa Lombardo) of Middletown, CT and his daughters, Luanne Felter of Mason, OH, and Cara Bartley (Don) of Plainville, CT.  He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jamie Sierpinski (Eric); Jason Cannata (Courtney); Andrew Felter; and Ian and Brianna Bartley as well as his great-grandchildren, Owen and Gavin Sierpinski; Cora and Cullen Cannata; and his brother, Nicholas Cannata of Middletown, CT.

Lou was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Ines; his sisters, Angelina Rascati and Marie Caskey; his brothers-in-law, Eli Rascati and Robert Caskey; his sister-in-law, Violet Cannata; and his son-in-law, Christopher Felter.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday November 22nd at 11 a.m. at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St. Middletown. Burial with military honors will follow at the State Veterans' Cemetery. Family and friends may gather prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m. at Biega Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Diabetes Association. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.