Constantine "Connie" Ludovico

A proud and humble centenarian, Constantine (Connie) Ludovico passed away peacefully from this world on November 8, 2021.

Connie grew up in New Haven, Conn. in a large Italian family, the roots of which go back to Faicchio, Italy in the early 1900’s. There a Ludovico family brother and sister married a Gaudio family brother and sister. These two couples emigrated to the United States, parenting 16 doubly-related children. The bonds between these two families, and their descendants, continue to this day.

Like many at that time, Connie grew up in a large, poor family. As a teenager, Connie told a small “white lie” about his age, in order to join the Civilian Conservation Corps. He worked at national parks in Colorado and his earnings were sent home to support his family. He later joined the Connecticut National Guard, which was soon after federalized. Connie was sent overseas during WW2, serving in the European and Pacific theaters. He was a combat infantryman and squad leader at the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium. His division later took the strategic bridge at Remagen from the German Army, and he participated in the liberation of several concentration camps.

Connie had a great sense of humor, always ready for a bit of fun and well-intended mischief. He was interested in politics, science and innovation and he was an avid reader. Everyone knew Connie was a hard worker and would gladly help out when needed. Fancy a new deck or kitchen? Want a garden, a haircut, need help moving? Connie was there with a smile on his face. Connie also loved babies, if there was a baby about Connie would hold it with wonder, awe and love.

Connie worked his entire career for Southern New England Telephone. Connie was a parishioner and dedicated deacon for over 20 years at St. Rita’s Church in Hamden. He was also a volunteer in the community for numerous charities and social programs.

Connie’s younger cousins Mimi and Bob Doan and Gail Curran acted as guides and translators for a 90th birthday gift from the Gaudio & Ludovico families. It would be Connie’s first and only return to Europe. There he toured WW2 sites including the battlefields in Belgium, where he spent six cold weeks in a foxhole. While at the Remagen Bridge site in Germany he mused: "The Rhine River is beautiful, serene, peaceful. But, I remember it as a living hell."  The group also visited their ancestral home in Faicchio, Italy, uniting with family members. The trip was documented in this New Haven Register article. https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/RANDALL-BEACH-An-old-soldier-revisits-the-site-11517559.php

Connie was a special part of both the Ludovico and Gaudio families. Alicia (Clark) Coderre of Northborough, Mass. and Maria Clark of Brookeville, Md. and their respective families have long embraced Connie in their lives, but most importantly they reached out to him during the twilight period of his life, when he was most in need.

In 2017 Alicia and John Coderre helped Connie move to Christopher Heights Assisted Living facility near their home, to keep a close watch and provide love, support and company. Connie spent many hours playing games or simply relaxing with the family. He marched in town Veterans Day parades, went on many family outings, celebrated birthdays, anniversaries and other milestones, and, in keeping with his life-long history, he was always eager to help out.  Connie enjoyed the company of his large extended family that visited him often.

Connie has been blessed in life, and all who have who have been fortunate to know Connie have been blessed. And, heaven has gained an angel.

Connie was the loving father of: Thomas Ludovico, Connie Ann Niglio, and James Ludovico (deceased), and stepchildren Elizabeth Gerencser, Sandra Ivan and Nancy Brockett (deceased). He leaves numerous treasured grandchildren and great-children. He also leaves his devoted family and caretakers –Alicia (Clark) and John Coderre of Northborough, Mass., Maria Clark and Dwight Gledhill of Brookeville, Md., and their four children, as well as Maria Steele and Pete Neumann, of Newton, Mass.

He is predeceased by brothers Benjamin, Peter, Frank, John and Michael Ludovico and sister Mary Corcoran. He is also predeceased by beloved cousins Flo and Bob Clark, of Hamden, Conn. His dear brother James Ludovico lives in Warwick, R.I.

A memorial service and Christian Mass will be held on Dec. 4 at 11am at St. Rita’s Parish, Hamden, Conn.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Gary Sinise veteran’s organization, https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/home/

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