Sebastian Lanza

Sebastian Lanza, age 102, widower of Maria Gionfriddo Lanza since 2023, of New Britain, passed away on November 6, 2026 at Hospital of Central CT of New Britain after a brief illness with family by his side.

Sebby was born in New Britain, CT on November 9, 1923, to the late Mario Lanza and Maria Tranghita residing on Beaver St. in New Britain. Sebby’s path included earning his high school diploma in 1946 and continuing his education at the Randall School of Arts in Hartford from 1949 to 1952. His working years took him to B Jahn MFG and other local machine shops, where he worked as a tool and die maker. After retiring in 1966, Sebby made his home on Carmody Street in New Britain and spent his winters in Arizona.

An active member of St. Ann Parish, Sebby enjoyed painting, golf, Italian music, singing, dancing, and sharing good times with family and friends. His life also included service in World War II with the U.S. Navy Submarine Corps in the Southwest Pacific from 1943 to 1946. He received the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon awarded to the USS Raton for heroism and meritorious conduct in action against Japanese shipping and combat units during its fourth and sixth war patrols.

Sebby and Maria were married for 77 years. Sebby was a devoted husband and father to his son Jim Lanza of New Britain, and his daughter Diane Wagner of AZ. Sebby is survived by his grandson Scott Wagner, granddaughter Tricia Ortiz and eight great-grandchildren. Sebby was a kind soul, embracing life and joyfully reminiscing of his life and times from the 1920’s to 2020’s. Until his illness, he spent his days creating watercolor paintings and sharing them with his friends and caretakers at Autumn Lakes Healthcare Facility in New Britain. He was awarded an Honorary Life Member Certificate from the American Legion in 2026. May the memories of time shared with Sebby and the paintings he gave to others bring comfort to those remembering him. “Addio, Sebastiani, con Amore”.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 12 PM at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, 411 S. Main St., New Britain. Burial with military honors will be in St. Mary Cemetery. A calling hour will be held from 11 AM until the time of the service.