Aiudi, Jr., Clayton Thomas
Clayton Thomas Aiudi Jr “Butch” was born to Esther Toscano Aiudi and Clayton Thomas Aiudi Sr “Tommy” in Bristol, CT, on October 10, 1941, as an only child. He enjoyed fishing at the lake with his father, and his mom's home-cooked Italian meals (which she continued to prepare for him daily (just in
case) well into his 40s and 50s. His mom was quick to tell you that her son did not eat leftovers.
Butch graduated from Bristol High School, where he met many lifetime friends with whom he thoroughly enjoyed causing just a bit of mischief. He excelled in baseball and continued to play into adulthood. He also participated in choir and enjoyed roller skating.
At 14, he began working, first for the Bristol Press and then for his grandfather's construction company, A. Aiudi and Sons Ready Mix Concrete where he worked for over 40 years, followed by F&F Concrete until retirement. He was very proud of his work and believed strongly in a solid work ethic.
In his free time, he enjoyed running and swimming. It was through this venture that he met his future wife, Lisa Marie Sheehan, who became his running partner,
accompanying him to the finish line first on the track, and then along the path of a life well-lived. They enjoyed 33 years together, along with their daughter, Marie Aiudi Pattipati, their many dogs, cats, and chickens, most of which were brought home by their daughter. Butch could never refuse an animal in need once he looked into their eyes.
In 2007, their first grandson, Dakota Thomas Aiudi was born, and Butch was thrilled to teach him baseball as soon as he was able to hold a ball. He was very close with Dakota teaching him about household repairs, trucks, and tractors. Two years later he welcomed his second grandson, Clayton Thane Aiudi, then Ayana
Lakshmi Pattipati, and finally Isha Alani Pattipati. Butch was very close to his family and loved having his grandchildren around. He would often quietly observe them and then explain to everyone about all of their unique qualities and what was best about each of them.
Butch passed peacefully in his sleep at the age of 80 on April 29 at 9:32 am, surrounded by his wife, daughter, son-in-law, and four grandchildren to the sound of his grandchildren giggling and watching funny dog videos. He was predeceased by his parents, and most of his aunts and uncles with whom he was very close. He is survived by his wife Lisa, daughter Marie, son-in-law Bharath, grandchildren Dakota, Thane, Ayana, and Isha, his beloved German Shepherd Jigs, and his cat, Evie. He also leaves behind his Uncle Eddie Toscano, Uncle Sam Lawson, Uncle Elmo Aiudi, Aunt Lorraine Clark, his closest friend Julia Ryan and her two sons Mark and Wade Ryan, his in-laws Timothy and Mary Jane Sheehan, and many cousins, friends, and family. He will be especially missed by his wife's five sisters (Laura Sheehan, Jill Fitzsimmons, Patricia Johnson, Jeanne Sheehan, and Madeline Sheehan) and their families.
Friends and family may call at The Ahern Funeral Home, 111 Main Street, Rt. 4, Unionville, on Friday (May 6th) from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated Saturday (May 7th) at 10:00 am in The Church of St. Mary Star of the Sea, 145 Main Street, Unionville. All are kindly asked to meet directly at the church. Flowers may be sent to Ahern Funeral Home or a tribute gift may be sent to the National Park Foundation in his name. To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.ahernfuneralhome.com