Richard Laurenzi

Richard Laurenzi, 70, of West Hartford CT, passed away in his home on November 2, 2021, surrounded by his family after a short illness. Richard was born on February 6, 1951 in Niagara Falls, New York, the son of the late Armand and Josephine (Penale) Laurenzi. Richard held a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literature from California State University. In 1983, he married his wife Evelyn (Pugliese) Laurenzi in Los Angeles, CA. At the time of his death, Richard was Chairman and CEO of Prospect Machine Products, Inc. located in Prospect CT. Richard was held in high esteem by the Connecticut manufacturing industry and was an active participant in organizations and programs to foster the industry’s success and growth. As a strong supporter of the State of Connecticut Apprenticeship program, Richard assured his business always had a toolmaker apprentice. He has served as president of the Smaller Manufacturers Association, was a Chair of the CBIA Manufacturers Advisory Council, and a graduate of CONNSTEP Continuous Improvement Champion Certificate Course. Under his leadership, his company received numerous recognitions from customers for outstanding achievement in quality, delivery, technology, and cost management. Most notably, during Richard’s leadership, his company received the President’s E Certificate of Exports for its year-after-year increases in exporting goods outside the United States. He was subsequently appointed to the Connecticut District Export Council. Those who knew Richard best knew him as warm-hearted man with a gentle and generous spirit and a deep scholarly intellect. He possessed a passion for knowledge, a love of literature, the arts, history and nature, and a keen sense of humor. He had a gift for making anyone feel welcome and at ease and could carry on engaging conversations on any topic with anyone. Richard is survived by his wife Evelyn (Pugliese) Laurenzi of West Hartford CT, and his daughter Nicole Laurenzi, son-in-law Benjamin (Jamie) Abelson, granddaughter Cecilia Laurenzi Abelson of Chicago, IL. He is also survived by his sister Francesca (Laurenzi) Gallagher, brother-in-law Kevin Gallagher and nephew Patrick Gallagher of Niagara Falls, NY, and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews. Tas per Richard’s request, there will be no services. For those wishing to pay tribute, please donate to the Gifts of Music Program through the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving or to The Elizabeth Park Conservancy.