Horace B. Lanute

Horace B. Lanute, age 77, of Fairfield, son of the late Horace B. Lanute and Stella M. Lanute of Westport, passed away Saturday, February 7, 2015. Born in Billerica, MA, Horace was a life-long area resident. Horace attended Staples High School and the University of Connecticut School of Agriculture and Dairy Production. He served the Town of Westport honorably as a firefighter for 37 years. In addition, to satisfy his love of the great outdoors, he operated a successful landscaping business for many years. A talented athlete throughout his youth and avid baseball fan, Horace found enjoyment in continuing to play baseball in the Danbury and Stamford twilight leagues. In 1961, he played on Westport's slow-pitch softball league that went on to win the state title and for which he was chosen for All State honors. Horace went on to coach local baseball teams at various levels in Westport and later in Fairfield. In 1996, he was honored at the Sportsmen of Westport annual Dinner of Champions for his accomplishments on the field, court and gridiron and his community involvement. He is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Louise (Connie) Kouns Lanute, his son, Gregory D. Lanute, his daughters and their husbands, Beth and Hogan Love, Linda and Bob Kaelin, Kimberly and Mike Flaherty, Molly Lanute and six grandchildren, Michael and Matthew Love, Ryan, Heidi and Kelly Kaelin and Liam Flaherty. Friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of the Assumption, 98 Riverside Avenue, Westport. Burial will be private. Friends may call Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. in the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. Horace was known for his quiet acts of kindness and helping those in need. In keeping with that spirit, friends are asked to honor Horace by carrying on similar acts of kindness to those in need. For information or to sign an online guest register please visit www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com