NEW BRITAIN — Thomas E. Stanco, age 59, of New Britain, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012, at Waterbury Hospital.

Mr. Stanco was born on May 14, 1952, in Waterbury, son of the late Angelo and Elizabeth “Betty” (Orlando) Stanco. Tom was a graduate of Crosby High School and earned an associates degree from Mattatuck Community College. In his early years, Tom enjoyed being a Boy Scout. He worked for the Kellogg Company as a merchandiser for 23 years and for his family’s business, Kenecticut Hardware. He was an avid New York Yankees fan and loved music, especially Elvis. In the 1970s he was “DJ Tom Evans” on WNVR for several years and was the lead singer in the band, Sharades, where he impersonated Elvis.

Tom is survived by his sons, Jonathan and Steven of Plainville; his brothers, Ronald Stanco and his wife Lana, James Stanco and his wife Linda, Kenneth Stanco and his wife Laurie, all of Waterbury, Richard Stanco and his wifePatricia, of Wolcott, and Ted Stanco and his wife Joan, of Oakville; and his sisters, Jean Stanco and Jane Stanco, both of Waterbury. He also leaves behind his beloved significant other, Patti Elliotte, with whom he lived, as well as several nieces, nephews, grandnephews, grandnieces and cousins.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, at 9 a.m. at Maiorano Funeral Home, 95 Willow St., Waterbury. with a service beginning at 9:30 a.m. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 4 to 7 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 5 Brookside Drive, Wallingford 06492. For more information and online condolences, visit http://www.maioranofuneralhome.com/.