John F. Laurito, 95, of West Hartford, loving husband of the late Sylvia (Avseev) Laurito, passed into eternal rest on Thursday (April 24, 2003). Born in Hartford on December 7, 1907, he was a son of Elizabeth and Joseph Laurito. He attended Hartford schools, and became a dedicated and respected businessman. In 2000, at the age of 92, John retired from the Harmin Shop, a children's clothing store that he had operated in Bristol for 59 years. August 22, 2000 was declared by Mayor Frank Nicastro to be John F. Laurito Day in Bristol, and John received a Recognition Award by the Bristol Chamber of Commerce in appreciation for his service to the greater Bristol community. His beloved wife of many years, Minna (Rosenfeld) Laurito, predeceased him and in 1970 he married Sylvia Avseev. They were totally devoted to each other and their marriage ended by her death in 1999. John is survived by his step-children, Linda and Henry Cohn of West Hartford, who are grateful for the years they had together. With a quiet graciousness, he was a wonderful grandfather to their children, Rafi, Ilana and Julia. He is also survived by a special sister-in-law, Myrtle Laurito of Windsor Locks, and a host of nieces and nephews with whom he shared many happy occasions. John was a loving, caring, sharing gentleman with a great sense of humor, and these qualities stayed with him to the end. The family wishes to acknowledge the fine care he received from the staffs at Alexandria Manor, the Hebrew Home and Hospital and the VNA Hospice program. Calling hours Saturday at 9 a.m. at Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave., West Hartford to be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in the Church of St. Timothy, 1116 N. Main St., West Hartford. Burial will follow at Mt. Saint Benedict's Cemetery in Bloomfield. Contributions in John's memory may be made to the Church of St. Timothy, 1116 N. Main St., West Hartford, 06117 or St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 872 Farmington Ave., West Hartford, 06119.