Laurence (Larry) D. Cerretani, 97, peacefully passed away on June 23rd, 2017 at Wilton Meadows Healthcare, Wilton, CT. He was born in New Canaan, CT on Dec. 28, 1919 to the late Amelina Bucciarelli Cerretani and Anthony F. Cerretani and was the 4th of 5 children. He was raised in New Canaan and graduated from New Canaan High School in 1938. He served in the United States Air Force during WWII from 1943 to 1945 as ground support for the pilots and B17 Bombers. After an honorable discharge from the service, he returned to New Canaan and worked alongside his father at Cerretani Construction Company. One of the many large projects that they accomplished was the complete construction of South Ave. On the final day, all the workers symbolically threw their hats into the roadway ditch prior to the concrete pour. Larry also owned and operated his own wrought iron welding business called, New Canaan Ornamental Iron Works. During this time, he married Virginia Appleby, settled in New Canaan and raised two children and two step children. After retiring from Cerretani Construction, Laurence moved to Marlboro, VT where he enjoyed his log cabins and the simple life. There he met and married Diana Dunning in 2007 who predeceased him in 2014. He and Diana would winter in Palm Coast FL where other New Canaanite’s gathered. His other favorite spots to swim, collect shells, and bask in the sun, was on the beaches of Sanibel Island and Daytona Bch., FL. where he also spent many happy winters. Upon Diana’s death in December, 2014, Laurence moved back to CT to be with his family. Laurence enjoyed meeting and talking to people. He was fond of baking apples pies, gardening, arts and craft projects along with using his skills as a welder and making statuary items. He often made tables, Christmas decorations, and other items as gifts. He was a Mason, a long time member and past honoree of the New Canaan Old Timers Association, proud member of the VFW, and became a volunteer for the New Canaan Fire Company No. 1 in 1937 and up until his passing; Larry held the title of the longest living volunteer. He is survived by his daughter, Lauren Cerretani of New Canaan, his son Anthony and daughter- in-law Joann of Mt. Kisco, NY, and a stepdaughter, Virginia Appleby Rust of VA. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren Joseph Cerretani along with his fiancée Jenna Plekon, Laurence Cerretani, Tiffany and Shane Smith, Scott Brooks Appleby, a great granddaughter Jewel Appleby, his sister, Anna Totaro of New Canaan, nieces and nephews; Barbara Lapolla, Marcia Radman, Maria Comeskey, Marlene Funk, James Tiani, and Mark Totaro, many great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. In addition, he is survived by Diana’s family: Stacy (Tim) Allen, Ted (Heather) McGreer, Andrew (Iris) McGreer, and Lynn McGreer, ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Besides his parents and wife, Laurence was predeceased by his sisters Mary Garibaldi, Emma Tiani, Edith Cerretani, his brothers-in-law, James Tiani, Frank Garibaldi, Mark Totaro, and a step son, Scott B. Appleby, his former wife, Virginia Appleby Cerretani and many close friends. The family will receive friends on Friday, June 30, 2017 from 5pm to 8pm, at Hoyt Funeral Home, 199 Main St., New Canaan, CT A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at 11:30am at the Congregational Church of New Canaan. In lieu of flowers, donations to the New Canaan Old Timers Association, P.O. Box 1642, New Canaan, CT 06840, and or the Local Chapter of VFW Post 653, PO Box 653, New Canaan, CT 06840 would be warmly welcomed. Friday June 30, 2017 , 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Hoyt Funeral Home Click for Map and Directions Saturday July 1, 2017 , 11:30 AM at First Congregational Church Click for Map and Directions