Lawrence S. Dingee

Lawrence Stanley Dingee July 1, 1955 – July 4, 2024 CORNISH, NH –It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Lawrence (Larry) S. Dingee who passed away unexpectedly on July 4, 2024 at the age of 69. Larry was a loving husband, father, and grandpa. He always put his family first and never hesitated to lend a hand or offer advice when they needed it most. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, Dale, whether for business or leisure. Each trip was always an adventure. Larry cherished family gatherings and was especially fond of time spent together at their camp on Trio Pond and at their cabin in Cornish. He also loved hosting his grandchildren for sleepovers. Larry owned and operated Dingee Machine Co., which began in his cellar in 1979. The shop moved to its current location in Cornish Flat, NH in the mid-1980’s, where he began fabricating and servicing fire engines. As his business grew, so did his circle of customers, with many becoming good friends. Larry felt especially proud when his daughter Ashley joined the business, later followed by his daughter Kelsey. In addition to fabricating his own fire and rescue apparatus, Larry was also a Sutphen dealer for New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont. Larry leaves behind many current and former employees who he greatly valued. Larry was an active member of both the Plainfield and Cornish Fire Departments, as well as a former member of the Cornish Rescue Squad. During his time on the departments, he was known as a mentor to many, sharing his years of knowledge and experience. Larry valued serving alongside his fellow members and took pride in the close friendships he developed during his time on the departments. Larry valued his community, serving in many volunteer roles as well as on various Cornish town boards and committees, including his three terms as a Cornish Selectboard member. He was respected by many and always tried to do what he felt was best for the town and its residents. Larry loved being home in Cornish but always held a special place in his heart for his time spent at Camp Denali in Alaska with his dear friends. Larry was predeceased by his parents, Robert Louis Dingee Sr. and Harriet Thurza (Tucker). He is survived by his wife Dale (Lawrence); son Shane Smith and partner Christina Annas; daughter Ashley Cunningham and husband Richard; daughter Kelsey O’Connor and husband Zachary Husband; and five grandchildren Landon, Maisie, Jacob, Logan, and Julius. He is also survived by his brother Robert (Felicia Green); sister Linda JD Crossman (Rick Lamberson); several nieces and nephews, including Robert and William Crossman; as well as several in-laws. Larry was a kind and gentle soul who was loved by many and cherished deeply by his family. He will be missed terribly but the good memories will prevail. There were many. Visiting hours will be held at the Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad Street in Claremont on Thursday, July 18, 2024 from 4 to 7 pm. Burial will be held in the Edminster Cemetery in Cornish on Friday, July 19 at 11:00 am with reception to follow at the Cornish Town Hall, 294 Town House Road. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Plainfield Fire Department, PO Box 337, Meriden, NH 03770 or the Cornish Fire Department Association, PO Box 274, Cornish Flat, NH 03746.