Armand William Tonucci, of East Haddam, passed away on January 21, 2025, after a long struggle with dementia. Armand was born in Hartford on December 5, 1940. He was 84 years old. Armand had a strong sense of patriotism and served honorably in the US Navy. After basic training, his military years were spent as a surgical technician in Philadelphia and at Annapolis where he became interested in a medical career. He attended night classes at Central Connecticut University before transferring to UCONN where he earned a degree in physical therapy. Most of his career was at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford. He later earned a Master’s degree in Public Health. He continued a self-employed physical therapy venture until his retirement in 2006. On June 25, 1994, Armand married his beloved wife, Martha McLaud. They honeymooned in Alaska and filled their life with adventurous hiking, climbing New England's mountains, camping, browsing used book stores, and going to tag sales and antique stores. They also traveled to many countries in Europe and South America, and enjoyed the indigenous cultures. Golfing with his brother and friends was a favorite pastime and he spent hours trying to perfect his swing. Armand had another close family of friends with the Jukido Martial Arts Academy in Coventry, where he spent many years learning, and earning the rank of Black Belt. Most important was his devotion to his two daughters who affectionately nicknamed him "Rine". They enjoyed memorable vacations to California, Hawaii, Cancun, and Disney World. He also cherished time spent with each of his three grandchildren, watching them grow up over the years. Besides devotion to his family and friends, Armand loved Sage, a devoted canine hiking and camping companion. Armand was proud when Sage became a licensed therapy dog and brought many smiles and comfort to him and other residents at Chestelm Health and Rehabilitation Center. Armand’s loving uncles, aunts and cousins were an integral part of his life. Memory will live on through his family and friends, but most importantly, for his kind and generous heart. In addition to his loving wife of 30 years, Martha McLaud-Tonucci, he is survived by his children and their spouses, Karen (& John) Waggoner of Manchester, Katherine (& George) Covey of Manchester; stepdaughters Stacey Capizzano of Providence, RI; Carrie Capizzano (& Nick Simmonds) of Cumberland, RI; brothers, James (& Janice) Tonucci of South Lyme, CT & DelRay Beach, FL; Ronald (& Linda) Tonucci of Waldorf, MD; a sister, Susan Howell of Largo, FL; and three grandchildren: Jacob Covey, Jenna Waggoner, and Sarah Waggoner. He also leaves several beloved nieces and nephews. The family is very grateful to Chestelm staff and to Hospice for their exemplary devotion and outstanding care. A graveside memorial service and celebration of life will be held including full military honors, at 12 pm on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the Winthrop Cemetery 352 Winthrop Road, Deep River, CT. The family requests that attendees wear casual attire, golf shirts, walking shoes, etc.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Armand’s memory may be made to the Covenant House: www.covenanthouse.org or CT Food Share, 2 Research Way, Wallingford, CT 06429, www.ctfoodshare.org. The Aurora McCarthy Funeral Home of Colchester has been entrusted with care of arrangements.

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