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Larry Kelley posted a condolence
Sunday, September 12, 2021
Coach Lauten was a special influence in my life. As a Middlesex football coach, he truly had my back. He stuck by me when others didn't, allowing me to thrive in the 1974 Middlesex-Mather game (rare Middlesex win). Thank you and RIP coach Lauten. Larry Kelley Middlesex1973-75.
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Jed Johnson posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 31, 2021
My name is Jed Johnson,
I want to offer my condolences to the Lauten family. He was a remarkable person, teacher and coach. I knew Mr. Lauten at Middlesex Middle School where he was my 8th grade Social Studies teacher. His animated and comedic style of commanding the class made learning fun. He took the time to know me on a personal level and I appreciated that. I also knew him as Coach Lauten. My first interactions with coach Lauten actually began in the eighth grade when he would inquire about my Pop Warner football experience, no doubt scouting for his friend Doug Ruben, who would be my freshman football coach. I had many interactions with Coach Lauten while playing Varsity football. He was adept when it came to coaching individuals to be successful on the football field. While playing football at DHS, there were occasions when my mother was unable to pick me up after practice and or games. On many of those occasions it was Coach Lauten who would take the time to drop me off at my home in Norwalk after practice. On the way, we had great discussions.
Perhaps my favorite memory of him occurred at the DHS Football awards dinner my freshman year. I was very underdressed for the occasion. Steve knew that I was going to be receiving an award in front of everybody. Right before they called my name, he literally gave me the sweater off his back so that I would not embarrass myself. He was an unforgettable person and mentor I feel privileged to have known. He will be missed.
Jed Johnson
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Jennifer Hart posted a condolence
Thursday, August 26, 2021
To the Lauten Family,
My name is Jenni Hart. I want you to know that I have such great memories of your dad/husband from my days at Middlesex Junior High School. He taught me Social Studies and a lot about growing up and had me coming back for more each day. And always had me laughing.
I also took French class with Joan at a time when Joan and Steve had just begun dating. And I became a note taker between the two when I was in one of their classrooms. And went to France with them on a school trip and had a wonderful time. I also followed Steve as a football coach and often saw him around town in Wilton where I lived for several years.
Steve is one of those rare wonderful people in life who leave such a mark on those who know them. I hope you have some solace in the legacy of who and what he left behind.
May you always cherish your memories.
With sympathy.
Jenni Hart
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Nancy Smith lit a candle
Thursday, August 26, 2021
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Joan, I am very saddened to hear of your loss. Please know I understand and I care. This is not easy, I admire your strength, love, continued positive outlook during Steve's Illness. sending hugs, prayers and comfort to you and your family
Love always, Nancy Negro Smith
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Jeannie Lacey posted a condolence
Thursday, August 26, 2021
I became acquainted with Steve when we met at the Darien Y; he was very diligent about his workouts and he would share the details of his many travels with me. I did not see him for many months due to Covid, but frequently asked the Y staff about him.
Steve was a very nice man, always a gentleman, and spoke lovingly of his family; he explained how his granddaughter Miley was named, and was thrilled when she was born. I am very sad that he has passed, and shall miss him and his sense of humor. Since hearing of his health struggles, I have included him in my nightly prayers. And I now send my condolences and prayers to his family.
Very sincerely, Jeannie Lacey
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Thursday, August 26, 2021
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You are forever in our hearts, Steve. With love and sympathy from Annamarie and JP Kealy
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Mark Gregory posted a symbolic gesture
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
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Dear Joan and Family,
So sorry for your loss. I know that Steve fought hard. I'm glad I got a chance to meet him at our reunion events, Hope you will all find peace.
Mark Gregory
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Kim Karl Mihaleas posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Mr. Lauten was my favorite teacher of all time. He was passionate about what he was teaching and he took personal interest in all of his students. He has touched so many lives. He was inspiring and fun and always the coolest teacher. I had a brief stint as a football manager and during a night game in Wilton in the rain, Mr. Lauten had me come to the line of scrimmage and bend down to look down the middle of the two teams lined up over the ball. He wanted me to experience the intensity of it. I think of that almost every time I watch a football game. I'm sending my deepest condolences to his family and friends. Mr. Lauten was a tremendous person in every way. I know he will be missed.
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Rich Cerreta posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
I was a Darien High School football player back in the mid-80’s coached by a real coaching Dream Team (Girard, Sangster, Brameier and Coach Lauten). Anyone lucky enough to have those 4 as a part of their youth learning or athletic experience was/is better for it. I recall when I was a sophomore football player, I got a sack against whomever our FCIAC opponent was that Saturday afternoon…fast forward to Monday back in the locker room Coach Lauten came up to me and handed me McDonald’s gift certificates and said, “Here you go Richie, a Big Mac Sack Attack Award!”. Pretty sure these days that’s an illegal payment to an amateur athlete :-) The original ‘pay for play’ coach. It’s been said before and should be said many more times, Coach Lauten, ONE OF THE GOOD ONES! You will be missed, you will be remembered, you made a difference, and you will always be appreciated.
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Charlie Richardson posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
So sorry to hear of your loss. I have fond memories of Mr. Lauten as a teacher and a coach. May God comfort you in your time of grief. Charlie Richardson MJHS class of ‘80, DHS class of ‘83.
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Bill Brazee posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
Steve was a person to look up to in many, many ways. He will be missed, but will live on in the memories of the students and athletes he touched during his long career as teacher and coach. A person never really passes on as long as people they influenced hold them in their memory. Remember coach Lauten and be thankful for the time you got to spend with him. I will!
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Tom Kelley lit a candle
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
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Am filled with emotion writing this. Coach Lauten was intense, joyful, passionate, fair and principled. There were no controversies around him because he was impeccably authentic. His phrases were legendary..."Coulda Woulda Shouda...words of losers!" The exact kind of man to be put in front of 8th and 9th graders of my era on a daily basis to model morality and decency and living on purpose. Back when young men didn't use the word LOVE, we knew Coach loved us. And for the vast majority of us, we spent the rest of our lives loving the man that Steve Lauten was. I am picturing a special room in the great beyond where last weekend, Davison, Battino, Gerard, and the rest of the Rushmore of DHS legends got a little more animated because Coach Lauten was on his way.
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Cathy McCormick posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
Mr. Lauten was a wonderful teacher. I had him for Modern World History. Such intelligence and dynamic energy. He treated us with respect in the classroom. He gave so much in service to kids.
Here goes a cheer for him from this Middlesex Jr. High alumna:
"Lauten and Joy,
Coach of our boys,
Keeps our team on the beam,
So c'mon coaches, c'mon team,
let's fight and show them what we mean"
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Lynne Price Montesanto posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
Mr. Lauten was one of the nicest people I ever met. I remember being greeted by his warm smile every morning as I entered MJHS through his wing. It was a great way to start the day during those sometimes tough middle school years. For that, I will forever be indebted to him. RIP to one of the good ones.
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Craig Dobbs posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
Mr Lauten launched thousands of strong, confident, and moral human beings, impacting us during our formative years when it was needed most, in the classroom and on the athletic field. He taught, coached, and lived by example. It was impossible not to learn something from every conversation and interaction. My heart breaks for Joan, as teenage students we celebrated two of our favorite teachers falling in love and demonstrating what our futures may hold. Godspeed Mr Lauten.
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Bill Weldon posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
In a Junior High track meet Coach Lauten came to me and said 'for us to win, you have to high-jump 5'3". I responded that I never did better than 5'1" and that was lucky. Coach looked me in eyes and said "get it done" then he walked away. I cleared the 5'3" level. Middlesex Won the Meet and Steve Signed my yearbook, To Bill, "A Money Ballplayer" I wil never forget his compliment and that 5' 3" high-jump! God Bless you Steve and your family!
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Wendy posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
Steve was the teacher every kid wanted in Middlesex and everyone wanted as a friend. He was gentle, but stern and had a genuine concern for every child he taught, mentored or knew. When the school year ended, our family was lucky enough to see him during the summers at Tokeneke. He was there for every swim meet, sailing event and every parent/child event on the beach. He made sure all the kids followed the rules and kept them safe.
He will be missed.
Sending our heartfelt condolences to Joan and family,
The Mégroz family
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Mark Okrent posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
Mr. Lauten was one of the greatest coaches and overall mentors. His approach was always straightforward. He vigorously led his social studies classroom and his passion on the football field was ever present.
He would lift me up after getting repeatedly drilled in football (force unit), which ultimately made me a better athlete and helped provide me with the foundation to play beyond the high school level. Without his leadership, many kids, including myself could have gone off the rails.
Mr. Lauten attended my wedding in 2010, and his memory will long live in my and my family’s heart. We have been blessed to send and receive cards from the Lauten family every Christmas and hope to continue the tradition.
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John Macri posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
My heart goes out to Joan and family on the loss of Steve. He was a colleague and friend and I will miss him. Steve’s laughter was a gift, as he shared it robustly with all. Steve made his mark on everyone…his students, their parents, his colleagues at MMS and all who knew him.
Hold memories of Steve close to your heart and he will live with you forever.
RIP my friend.
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Laura Coyle posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
My heart aches hearing this news… Mr. Lauten is forever in my heart and a big part of the beautiful memories I have of Middlesex junior high school and Darien high school watching him coach with so much passion and dedication. I will always remember that sparkle in his eye… And that little sly smile. You always felt like you could be yourself and approach him about anything… All the way up until I was a grown woman working out with him at the Darien YMCA. He even came out to our 30th high school reunion and join in the festivities almost 10 years ago. My heart goes out to you Joan… and to your whole beautiful family. He was one of the good guys❤️❤️
Big love and light… Laura Coyle
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jodi jacobs sanchioni Posted Aug 24, 2021 at 10:34 AM
I was actually thinking about Mr. Lauren the other day. When you think about teachers and coaches that whether they inspired you, motivated you or just touched your heart, Mr. Lauten was one of those individuals. He was a huge personality in the classroom and on the field! Know that I am one of thousands when remember him fondly! He is mentoring someone up in heaven!!
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Michele Gruner lit a candle
Monday, August 23, 2021
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So sad to hear this news! Mr. Lauten was my middle Social Studies teacher. But he wasn’t just a teacher… He was a mentor and one of the best human beings I ever had the pleasure of knowing! I was a shy kid (lol funny I know for my newer friends but my older friends can attest)…and Mr. Lauten was one of the first teachers who believed in me….who pushed me to be better…who wouldn’t let me give up. I still have the maps I drew in 8th grade with his note on the back that said “Young Lady…now THIS is the work I always knew you were capable of…I never want to see you sell yourself short again!”
I hope he knew what a profound effect he had on so many lives.
Rest In Peace Mr. L…you may be gone but you will never be forgotten. ♥️♥️♥️
To his family and close friends…so very sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers ♥️
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Robin Sokolow lit a candle
Monday, August 23, 2021
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Steve Lauren was the man on the pool deck at Tokeneke Club. He survived my 4 kids and hundreds of others. Always a disciplinarian, he loved his pool rats and they behaved when he called them out. His heart was in those kids and all those he taught. We’ll maybe there were a few he wanted to strangle.! When it came to swim team banquet time he was on the dance floor with all the kids showing them his soft fun side. He will be missed. May peace be with him and his family.
Love from all the Sokolows
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Artie Roberts lit a candle
Monday, August 23, 2021
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My condolences and prayers go out to Joan and the entire Lauten family. I will miss seeing Steve walking on Highfield in his red NC Football parka and talking High School football.
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Todd Stramandinoli posted a condolence
Monday, August 23, 2021
I started at Middlesex back in 1996 and Steve was a mentor to me. His leadership and friendship helped guide me through those first few years as a young teacher and helped mold me into the teacher and person I am today. I truly appreciated the guidance and advice he shared with me during our years together and know I will be one of many who will miss him.
Todd Stramandinoli
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The family of Steven G. Lauten uploaded a photo
Monday, August 23, 2021
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