Anthony M. Lanza

Anthony Mark Lanza, 72, a native of Leominster, passed away on February 9, 2026. Born July 11, 1953 in Leominster, MA to the late Albert C. Lanza and Jean Lanza (née St. Cyr).

He graduated from Leominster Trade High School, enlisted in the United States Army and saw the world. He served in Saudi Arabia and Germany, where he developed expertise in communications infrastructure. He built a career in the communications industry across New York City, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, including work at General Data Comm on early fiber optic transatlantic infrastructure. He was a hard worker who never shied away from a challenge, a trait he passed down to his two sons, Joseph and Steven, his self-proclaimed proudest accomplishments. Tony was an adept handyman and craftsman. He built things ranging from pieces of furniture to entire rooms, fixed appliances, and one time after a nasty ice storm took a blowtorch to his gutters from a 16’ ladder. He knew every route worth knowing and didn’t need a plane to get up and down the east coast. Long before driving became his second career — as a cab driver, then for Uber — he was at peace behind the wheel, classic rock on, Pepsi in hand. That beverage of choice was non-negotiable (sorry, Coke), a devotion well-established long before a work trip brought him to PepsiCo headquarters, where he tasted it straight from the source — and never stopped talking about it.

He was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan, and while no medical examiner has confirmed it, the family has strong suspicions about Super Bowl LX. He played blackjack with great enthusiasm and unreliable results, as anyone who shared a table with him could attest. He had firm opinions about the country he loved and was never shy about sharing them. Some of his best days were the simple ones: day trips to the Jersey Shore with his boys when they were young, a perfectly packed cooler, cheesesteaks ordered with precision. The cheese goes on the meat first, so it soaks in the way it’s supposed to.

He is also survived by his daughters-in-law, grandchildren, siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews, all of whom have fond memories with him. He will be missed dearly.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, February 26 in the funeral home from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 27at 11:00 Am in St. Anna Church with a burial to follow in Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon, MA with Military Honors. 

In lieu of flowers, please be so kind as to send donations in Anthony’s name to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at www.breakthrought1d.org.

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