Wayne Vendetto Sr.

New London — On Monday, Feb. 26, 2018, Wayne Thomas Vendetto Sr. went home to be with God surrounded by his loving family.

Wayne was born in New London on Sept. 8, 1943, to Ellen and Michael Vendetto.

Wayne is survived by his children, Dana Vendetto and partner, Isreal Galarza and Wayne T. Vendetto Jr. and wife, Corina Vendetto; grandchildren, Alexandra Williams, Cole Williams, Wayne Vendetto III, Attilia Vendetto, Connor Vendetto; and great-grandchild, Gianni Vendetto. He is also survived by his former wife and caretaker, Mary Hann, with whom he resided in his final year. Wayne is also survived by his sisters, Phyllis Bartelli, Maureen Thompson, Joan Laycock and Donna Vendetto. He is also survived by 59 great-nieces and nephews. Wayne also had a special bond with his nephews, Scott and Billy.

Wayne was predeceased by his brothers, Robert and Michael “Mickey” Vendetto; and sister, Patricia San Juan; he is also predeceased by his longtime partner, Virginia Salzer; as well as his beloved German Shepherd, Lea.

Wayne attended Saint Bernard’s and graduated from New London High School in 1962. Wayne worked for Sears, Roebuck & Co., retiring after over 20 years. For the last four decades he was a Connecticut State Marshall.

Wayne was proud to be a New London guy! He started out as a volunteer fireman and served as foreman of the F.L. Allen Hook and Ladder Company for 10 years. During the Vietnam era, he joined the Connecticut National Guard and remained as a reservist throughout the ’70s. In his late 20s, Wayne was elected to the NL Board of Education, where he served with distinction for 10 years. Following his Board of Education tenure, Wayne became a NL City councilor, serving as both deputy mayor and mayor.

Wayne has given countless hours to his church and community by proudly lending his expertise to the following boards: Catholic Charities, The American Cancer Society, The Hospice Fundraising Board, RSVP board of directors, Make a Wish Foundation and New London Police Community Relations, many of which were shared as chairman. In 2008, he was named Men of Distinction.

As a member of the New London Lodge of Elks, he has chaired a myriad of events — most notable the Annual Italian Night. He has co-chaired the New London Hope week Memorial Day parade and the Veterans Day Vigil. Wayne also was very proud to help organize the Annual Thanksgiving Dinner his family and friends hosted at the Senior Citizen Center. This annual event was held in honor of his late parents, Ellen and Michael Vendetto. Wayne continued to be extremely active in the Democratic Party and remained a trusted confidant and advisor to his fellow party members.

With all the titles Wayne has held, it is “Poppy,” the name fondly used by his two children, his five grandchildren and many close family friends, that he cherished and was most proud of.

Calling hours are from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am. Saturday in St. Joseph Church. Interment will be private on a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences may be shared on Wayne’s memorial page at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.