Donald M. Laduzenski

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Donald Michael Laduzenski on November 2, 2025 of West Springfield, MA and Cape Elizabeth, ME. Don was born on September 13, 1942, to Alexander and Genowefa (Jane) Laduzenski in Holyoke, MA. At a young age he spoke only Polish as he lived with his grandparents while his father was in WWII and his mother worked. He grew up in Chicopee, graduating from Chicopee High School in 1961 and remained lifelong friends with members of his football team. Don graduated from Holyoke Community College, enlisted in the Marines in 1965, and served until 1969 as an air traffic controller in the Vietnam War, reaching the rank of sergeant. Don continued his education at American International College receiving his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business and where he was a founding member of the business fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi. While there, a young beauty, Ann Marie (Anzalotti) caught his eye; and on October 27, they celebrated fifty-two loving years of marriage, having diligently worked as a team to raise their family and realize their dreams.

During his lifetime, Don pursued a variety of people-centered employment opportunities: a skilled meatcutter at the original Big Y supermarket; an expert salesman for The Plantation condominiums, when selling condos was a new concept; being elected as a trusted town councilor in Agawam. He was a valued employee at both Smith and Wesson and Spauldings in their accounting departments. In 1987, with Ann Marie’s support, Don took a leap and began his own residential and commercial cleaning company, Majestic Domestics, which thrived for over a decade. In his later years, Don had his most rewarding professional experience as Business Manager at the Soldier’s Home in Holyoke, and after retirement, working there to secure financial assistance for veterans in need. He also was an usher for Toomey – O’Brien’s Funeral Home, helping bereaved families.

Donald leaves his “princess” and devoted and loving wife, Ann Marie; the “light of his life” and adoring daughter, Sarah Jane Laduzenski MD, and her husband Bremon Krey Sims III of Cape Elizabeth, ME. He leaves his cherished “boys,” his grandsons, Bremon David and Sebastian Alexander, of whom he was so proud. He was predeceased by his son and best friend, David Albert in 2011, whose tragic death wounded his heart until the end.

He leaves his caring sister Alexandra (Sandy) Paradis and his kind nephew, Ron. He leaves his loving family, Salvatore Anzalotti, Robert and Tracy Anzalotti, Belisa Anzalotti and her husband, Michael Culver, with whom Don shared a special bond especially during his last months. Don loved and was truly proud of his nephew and niece, Nicholas and Mia Culver.

In heaven he will be lovingly welcomed by his parents, Alex and Jane, his in-laws, Albert and Pasqualina, and brother-in-law, Ron. He will be heartedly hugged and kissed by his son, David.

Don loved to putter outside both of his homes with a cigar in his mouth. He especially loved to grow tulips, zinnias, dahlias and mammoth sunflowers. He grew tomatoes and basil every year. Don and David shared the experience of making different varieties of wine and sampling it.

Don and Ann Marie cruised to many exotic places, but he especially loved Italy. For his midlife crisis, he purchased a new 2006 Regency Mustang convertible, and he and Ann Marie enjoyed the many thumbs-up from strangers as they drove throughout New England. He loved dancing to 70’s disco tunes, listening to Bocelli, Ravel, and instrumental violin music, and watching John Wayne movies and anything history inspired. Don enjoyed a relaxing day of fishing with good friends and family. His favorite fishing spots included Quabbin where the family would pile into a rented boat and appreciate a leisurely day; the Race in Connecticut where he’d charter a boat, catching stripers at a fast pace; deep sea fishing at his sister’s in Islamorada or simply fishing off the coast of his own little spot in Crescent Beach, Maine.

Don was a member of the West Springfield Lions Club and a faithful communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish where he and Ann Marie married and raised their family.

One of his standard pieces of advice to any young person was, “Read ahead,” admitting with a smirk that he never did and wished he had.

Don and his family would like to sincerely thank the many family and friends who visited, called, or sent notes of encouragement during his final months, as well as his skilled and compassionate care team from Hospice of Southern Maine and Right at Home.

Don will be remembered as a good, strong, handsome man.

Calling hours for Don will take place from 4:00-7:00PM, on Friday December 5, 2025, at Toomey-O’Brien Funeral Home, 1043 Westfield St., West Springfield. Funeral services will begin at 8:30AM, Saturday December 6, 2025, at the funeral home. Procession to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 123 William St., Springfield for a 10:00AM Liturgy of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery, 1601 State St., Springfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to hospiceofsouthernmaine.org or Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, 123 William St., Springfield, MA 01105.