Antonio LaLima Jr.

Antonio LaLima Jr., 93, of Waterford, entered eternal life on January 11, 2025, in the company of his loving family. He was born January 16, 1931, in New London, to the late Antonio LaLima Sr. and Angelina Zingone LaLima. Mr. LaLima attended local schools in New London, graduating from Bulkeley School in 1949, and remained a proud and active member of the “Bulkeley Boys” for his entire life. He was united in marriage to Margaret Gatheral LaLima on September 14, 1957, at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church.   Mr. LaLima served his country from 1947-1949 in the Marine Corps Reserves.  He then enlisted in the Air Force in 1951 during the Korean War where he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant and received the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and was honorably discharged in 1955.  Upon re-entering civilian life, Mr. LaLima worked for the City of New London for over 36 years, retiring as a Purchasing Agent in 1993.  Mr. LaLima was active in the community as a member of the New London Elks Lodge 860.  He was also a lifelong member, and past Grand Knight, for the Knights of Columbus, Seaside Council 17, and was instrumental in the establishment of the council’s New Home in 1971. Mr. LaLima was an avid New York sports fan and skilled poker play who was affectionately known to his fellow players as “The Undertaker”.  However, as a devoted father, grandfather & great-grandfather, everyone in the family lovingly called him “Pop”.  His greatest joy was playing chauffeur for the grandkids, attending every game and school function, and setting up the world’s smallest Easter egg hunt every year that somehow still managed to confound them.  Mr. LaLima was predeceased by Margaret, his devoted wife of 67 years.  He is survived by two loving sons:  Jeffrey and wife Tina LaLima of Waterford and Mark and wife Barbara LaLima of Waterford; along with five Grandchildren: Trent and wife Maggie LaLima of West Hartford, Gavin LaLima of New London, Nolan LaLima of South Windsor, Brooke LaLima and fiancé Celeste Schimmenti of Denver, CO, Corey LaLima and girlfriend Kristine Chan of Milford, and two great-grandchildren:  Antonio Joseph LaLima and Elliana Kate LaLima of West Hartford.  He was predeceased by his sister Grace LaLima Totora and husband Albert and niece Carmel A. Tortora, all of Norwich, CT.  His family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, January 17, from 10 AM to 11 AM at the Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave., New London, followed by a funeral home service at 11 AM.  Private interment to follow at St. Mary Cemetery, New London.  In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes a donation on Antonio’s behalf to Wounded Warrior Project.

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