Well known and respected New Britain community and political leader, Lawrence “Larry” Hermanowski, passed away on October 9, 2020.
Hermanowski, a Democrat, served on the New Britain City Council, “for 12 years, from 1975-1977 and again from 2003-2013,” according to his obituary. He was the current city Deputy Registrar of Voters.
“He was an unapologetic Democrat,” his obituary notes, “who was looking forward to voting this November.”
Hermanowski was widely respected by other elected officials, regardless of party and ideology. His obituary notes that he,
took pride in working on behalf of city residents, many of whom he would stop and chat with on his Friday night trips to Stop and Shop on Corbin Avenue.
“I’ve known Larry for 17 years,” said State Representative Rick Lopes (D-24). “He was an upstanding, honest, and straightforward guy who always tried to make the city a better place. It was easy to see.”
Hermanowski actively volunteered in the community, his obituary noting that he was,
past president and current treasurer of the Pulaski Democratic Club, past president of the Polish National Alliance (PNA), member of the original Dozynki organizing committee, deputy city treasurer, member of the city plan commission and charter revision committees
He was also an active volunteer the New Britain’s Human Resource Agency’s VITA program, assisting people with their tax returns.
“Larry Hermanowski lead by example,” said the City Council’s Democratic leader, Ald. Manny Sanchez (D-AL). “He gave so much to the community he loved and cherished. When Larry spoke, you listened. His knowledge and expertise were entrenched in the City he spent so much time and energy giving back to for decades. He was a legend and I will miss him dearly. My heart goes out to his family, friends and all the people he has impacted in his life.”
“Larry was a leader that loved New Britain and advocated for the Polish community,” said State Representative Bobby Sanchez (D-25), “he will be missed.”
“The members of the Democratic Town Committee join with so many in New Britain in mourning the loss of Larry Hermanowski,” New Britain Democratic Party said. “His contributions and dedication to our city were unending.”
His obituary notes that,
In addition to his wife of 37 years, Teresa, left grieving his loss are his children Cindy Catanzaro and her husband Paul of New Britain, his daughter Monica Hermanowski-DeFronzo and her husband David of New Britain and his son Christopher of New Britain; three grandchildren whom he adored — Grace, Matthew and Madeline and his brother Maryon “Herman” and his wife Patricia of Plainville. Larry also leaves numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws all of whom held a special place in his heart. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Edward.
Calling hours for Hermanowski are at Monday, October 12 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at the Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Burritt Hill, which is located at 332 Burritt Street. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Church on Tuesday, October 13 at 9:30am.
His obituary notes that, “In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to “New Britain High School Baseball” c/o Roberto Mercado, NBHS, 110 Mill St., New Britain, CT, 06051.”
