Anthony (Tony) J. LaCava Jr, 89, passed away peacefully from natural causes on February 18th, 2026 in Hamden, Connecticut. Born in Waterbury, CT in 1936 to Anthony Sr. and Josephine (Testa) LaCava, Tony attended Crosby High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University in 1958. He later completed a master’s degree at Colgate University, and pursued postgraduate studies in education at Cornell University. After early positions as a dean at Wesleyan, and leader of anti-poverty and community health initiatives in the New Haven and Waterbury areas, Tony’s professional life focused on advocacy for the disabled. For many years, until his retirement, Tony served as Executive Director of the Disability Resource Center of Fairfield County. Tony was respected by his colleagues and former classmates for leading by example, and loved and appreciated by those around him for his thoughtful curiosity and genuine interest in their lives. Tony enjoyed traveling the world with Clifford Morgan, his devoted partner of 44 years and spending time with family and friends at home and abroad. He was known for his love of the Pittsburgh Pirates, enjoyed attending his grandson's sporting events, having visits with his granddaughter, sharing his love of cooking great food, and his passion for current events. His beloved, Havanese dog, Fred, was a constant companion—often riding along in his wheelchair bringing comfort in his final years. Tony was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed. He is survived by his partner, Clifford Morgan of Hamden, Connecticut; his brother, Robert LaCava and his wife, Connie LaCava, of Middlebury, Connecticut; his four children: Lynda LaCava and her partner, Michelle De Ruijter, of Vlissingen, the Netherlands; Scott LaCava and wife, Juliet Bryce, of Amesbury, Massachusetts; Laura LaCava of Copenhagen, Denmark; and Christopher LaCava of New Haven, Connecticut. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Callum LaCava of Massachusetts; Satya LaCava of the Netherlands; and Sarah Stambaugh of California; as well as his beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members. A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, April 11th, at 12:00 PM in the Peter H. Torello & Son Funeral Home, located at 1022 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden. Friends may call Saturday morning from 11:00 am - 12 pm.