Former State Sen. and one-time mayoral candidate Anthony Michael “Tony” Ciarlone, an old-school politician who connected with people from all walks of life, died on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Tony was born in New Haven on May 8, 1929. He was the son of the late Gaetano and Carmella Ciarlone who migrated to America from Roccasicura, Italy.
Tony graduated from Hillhouse High School and The Junior College of Commerce which is now Quinnipiac University. He was active in the New Haven political arena starting his political career as an Alderman of the Wooster Square ward.
He was voted to the Connecticut General Assembly first as a State Representative and subsequently as a State Senator and Deputy Majority Leader from Ward 11 for many years. In 1981 he mounted a Democratic primary challenge to then-Mayor Biagio DiLieto.
While serving in his political capacity, Tony was the President and CEO of Olive Mechanical Contractors for 30 years. Tony also served as Director of Leasing for the State of Connecticut was Chairman of the Wooster Square Renewal Program and past Director of The New Haven Parking Authority and served as a Justice of the Peace for many years. In the past several years he joined Gaudioso Associates as a real estate agent. Tony was a past President of the Alpha Club and a member of the Amity and Melebus Clubs and a past Trustee of St. Michael’s Church.
Tony was the beloved husband of Jane Elizabeth Johnson Ciarlone. He predeceased by his first wife, Jean Ciarlone. Devoted father of Cindy Murphy (Robert), Linda Ciarlone, Jean-Marie Gargano, Cathy Marak (Steve) and stepdaughter, Regina Milano-Hirshfield (James). He was the grandfather of Jeana Sandagata (Anthony), Kristina Gargano, Nicole Gargano, Taryn DiGiacomo (Brandon), Casey Marak, Caitlin Murphy and Lindsay Ciarlone. Tony was also survived by 4 great-grandchildren, Antonio, Luciano, Matteo, and Giavanna. He was the brother of Eleanor D’Amore (Frank) of East Haven and sisters-in-law, Deb Johnson, Maggie Goodwin, and Sandra Lingle. He also leaves many nieces and nephews as well as his faithful dog, Rascal.
Donations may be made to CT Hospice in Branford and Where the Love Is Animal Rescue, Hamden, CT. Sign Tony’s guest book online at www.portofuneralhomes.net.