Gino Peter Baroni

Gino Peter Baroni, 91, of New Britain, Connecticut, beloved husband of Holly (Lyman) Baroni, passed away peacefully at home with family by his side on June 19, 2025, after a brief battle with congestive heart failure. He was born on July 30, 1933, in New Britain, CT, a city he was very fond of and proudly called home his entire life. Gino was the son of Giacomo "Jack" Baroni and Josephine (Manica) Baroni.

Gino attended E. C. Goodwin Technical School but was soon drafted to the United States Army to serve in the Korean War. He was stationed at Fort MacArthur in San Pedro, California, a site for radar surveillance and missile defense and later in Greenland, where he developed hypothermia that caused double vision and impaired speech. In 1961, after returning home, his entrepreneurial drive led him to form his own business. A true gambler at heart, he was never afraid of taking a risk. Upon receiving a small loan from a dear friend, Gino opened a local laundromat and dry cleaning business on the corner of Corbin Avenue, and "Launderama Laundries" became an overnight success. With Holly, his bride-to-be alongside him, the arduous task of "wash & fold" cloth baby diapers and uniforms filled with factory grease seemed like a piece of cake. In the early 1970's, Gino sold the laundromat and started a new venture in the world of coin-operated laundry equipment. Soon, Speed Queen washers and dryers found their way into apartment buildings throughout Connecticut. His vision proved successful, partnering with his son, David, the business continues today.

Gino was a longtime member of the Marconi Club in New Britain. Back in the day, he faithfully met his friends to play cards every Friday night. He was a fan of all sports, but he was especially fond of UCONN women's basketball and college football. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed cooking; his hot pepper, tomato, garlic, and parsley salads were his specialty. You could always win him over with a grilled rib-eye steak paired with a glass of wine or anything sweet, especially a hot fudge sundae or strawberry shortcake. He was an animal lover and enjoyed his loyal, sweet dogs over the years: Duke, Bandit, and Lily. The music of Elvis, Frank Sinatra, and Engelbert Humperdinck brightened his day. Family meant the world to Gino, and annual summer trips to Cape Cod with Holly, Donna, David, and Gina were his favorite. He always said there was nothing like a sunset on Cape Cod Bay. He had an affinity for the stock market. In his later years, it became his favorite pastime, as he watched it daily on his iPad. He had a fantastic sense of humor and always appreciated a great story.

Gino is survived by Holly, his loving wife of 61 years; daughter Donna Grover and husband Roger Grover of Rocky Hill, CT; son David Baroni and wife Amy Baroni of Berlin, CT; daughter Gina B. Legnani and husband Dr. Peter Legnani of Rowayton, CT; eight loving grandchildren, Brandon Grover of Boston, MA, Allison Grover of Boston, MA, Emily Baroni of Brooklyn, NY, Michael Baroni and Matthew Baroni, both of Berlin, CT, Camille Legnani, Penelope Legnani and Eliza Legnani of Rowayton, CT; his brother Bruno Baroni and wife Josephine Baroni of New Britain; and sister-in-law Joyce Baroni of Farmington. He was predeceased by his sister Ada Baroni of New Britain, sister Mary Badon and brother-in-law Anthony Badon of Plainville, and brother Albert Baroni Sr. of New Britain. He leaves behind many wonderful nieces and nephews he watched grow up over the years. He also leaves several cousins from the Trentino region of Northern Italy.

The family is very appreciative of the extraordinary care provided by his primary care doctor, Dr. Catherine Holmes, who consistently went above and beyond during the 30+ years she cared for him. We are grateful for the love and support of his incredible aides, Anna, Elizabeth, Mirka, Natalia, and Oksana.

Gino was a devoted husband, a wonderful father, and a loving grandfather; he will be dearly missed.

Calling hours will be on Friday, June 27, 2025 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, 411 South Main Street, New Britain, followed immediately by a prayer service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, New Britain. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.