Robert
Wiggin Lawrence, in his 86th year, died from respiratory
complications on February 23rd 2010 in the
Beverly Hospital. An Ipswich resident for 43 years the
Lawrence’s made their home on Birch Lane.
Born in
Melrose August 10th 1924, to Charles M. and
Stella L. (Falk) Lawrence his childhood was spent with
siblings Dorothy, Eleanor, Charles Jr. and Richard at
their Melrose residence and summer home in Mattapoisett.
Upon
graduation from Melrose High School, Bob entered Tufts
University graduating with an Engineering Degree. He
then entered the US Navy where he proudly served our
country in the Submarine Service patrolling the East
Coast for the duration of WW II. Upon completion of his
naval obligation, Bob entered into the executive
training program at Honeywell Corporation where he
worked for 22 years. He ended his Honeywell career as
their Northeast Region Technical Sales Manager for its’
HVAC and control group.
In the early
1960’s Bob and brother Richard co-founded Sonolite
Plastics Corporation in Gloucester. At the start he
served well as its VP/Treasurer and Chief Engineer then
its’ President from 1982 thru 1997. The company
continues today under the direction of his two sons.
While work and problem solving were his passions, Bob
enjoyed anything ocean, sailing in particular.
Reserved, thoughtful and generous at the same time, he
was a source for council to many over the years. Bob
will be missed by those who came to know him and
especially those he helped along the way. His was a
life well lived.
He is
survived by two daughters Deborah A. Ciampa and Suzanne
L. Morse and her husband Richard A. all of Ipswich; two
sons Peter J. Lawrence his wife Donna and Jonathan B.
Lawrence and his partner Ellen P. Johnson all of
Gloucester. Also surviving him are his many
grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces and
brother-in-laws. He was predeceased by his wife Helen
E. (Okerman) Lawrence with whom he shared 52 years of
marriage, his oldest son Douglas M. Lawrence, a highly
decorated Vietnam Veteran; and his four siblings.
Memorial
contributions in his name may be made to: United
Veterans Council, c/o Gloucester Office of Veterans
Services, 9 Dale Ave., Gloucester, MA 01930.
Private
arrangements are under the direction of the
Whittier-Porter Funeral Home of Ipswich.
