John Lodato

John Lodato, 98 years old, was a child of God of the Most High. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Monday, July, 8th, 2024.Born December 1st, 1925 in Smithers, West Virginia. The son of Sicilian immigrants Mario and Angela Lodato.
One of ten children. Growing up he recalled working in his father’s shoe shop to help his family prosper during hard and difficult times. He was a World War II Veteran, serving in the United States Army. Looking to live a better life, his family moved to Stamford, CT., where he met the love of his life, his wife Margarita for 66 years. They married in 1958 and had a family of five children, Anthony, John, Michael, Christina and Matthew. One of the family’s favorite pastimes was when he would take his whole family summer vacationing on the shores of Cape Cod.
He was co owner of United Housewrecking along with his two brothers, Philip, Ross and his brother in law Ray Bowling. He had a keen creative insight for product ideas that made him an entrepreneur of several businesses one of which was Good Directions Inc. still owned and operated by his son Michael.
If you knew John you knew Jesus. He was a simple, prayerful man living his life in accordance with the 25th Chapter of the Gospel of St. Matthew vs. 31 thru 46. He made an intense retreat weekend with the Holy Spirit called Cursio and was so involved in the organization that he was asked multiple times to be Rector of retreat weekends. He made an annual retreat at Loyola Retreat House each year and received an acknowledgment for 50 years of retreat participations. In 2007 he was the Recipient of the Saint Augustine Medal of Service. As well as in 2012 he was the Recipient as Outstanding Senior Volunteer from United Way of Western Connecticut.
Upon retirement he volunteered at New Covenant Center in Stamford for over 26 years as a lead volunteer in the food pantry. In April, 2017 he was honored by The City of Stamford for his recognition of distinct community service with New Covenant Center and received The Founders Award. It was there that he told of a “mystical encounter” he had with Jesus while dismantling the Church of the Transfiguration in Tarrytown, NY for demolition. A self revelation which has been called the Statue with No Arms. John leaves his family and friends with an abundance of love and beautiful memories.
John is survived by his devoted wife, Margarita Lodato of Stamford, his loving children, Anthony Lodato and his wife Deborah of Shelton, John Lodato and his wife Debbie of MN, Michael Lodato of Norwalk, Christina Lodato of Redding and Matthew Lodato and his wife Michelle of VA. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Aaron, Robert, JP, Madison, Macy, Michael John, Julie, Sophia, Natalie and his great grandchildren , Thomas and Kelly.
Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by three brothers, Philip, Ross and Mario and six sisters, Rose, Antoinette, Josephine, Pauline, Mary and Angie.
Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford on Thursday, July 18th, 2024 from 4:00-8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 19th, 2024 at 10:30 AM at St. Leo’s Parish, Roxbury Road, Stamford. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in honor of John Lodato to the New Covenant Center, 174 Richmond Hill Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902 or to ccfairfield.org
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com