CLAREMONT, NH– It is with heavy hearts and deep gratitude for his 89 years of life that we announce the passing of Leo Lawrence, Jr. on Sunday, September 22, 2024 at the Sullivan County nursing facility after a period of failing health. Leo was born March 15, 1935 in Claremont, New Hampshire, the son of Leo Sr. and Harriet Lawrence.
Leo married his wife, Claire (Roy), on June 11, 1955, and they enjoyed 68 years together prior to her passing in January of 2024. They loved going to Maine and spending as much time with family as possible. While attending St. Mary’s High School, Leo was involved in sports, which included helping the baseball team to a championship season in 1953. In the winter months, you could find him skating as part of the Junctioneer skating team. Throughout his life, Leo enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed gardening, canning his harvest, cooking big meals for his extended family and sharing family passed down recipes. In his later years, Leo enjoyed sitting near the patio and watching birds and other wildlife out the windows.
Most of Leo‘s career was working at Joy Manufacturing/Sullivan Machinery until its closure. Leo also worked as a special on the Claremont police force for 15 years. He especially liked Friday nights in downtown Claremont, where he was able to chat with all of the locals. In his spare time, Leo refereed for local schools and men’s league basketball and also ran the clock for the Stevens High School basketball teams. After retiring, Leo drove the local town bus, which again allowed him to be able to chat with the folks all day.
Leo is preceded in death by his wife, Claire, and son, Gary. He is survived by his children; Stephen Lawrence and wife Dawn, Kathy (Lawrence) Tucker and her significant other, Timothy Banghart, Leo Lawrence III, Nicole (Lawrence) McKenzie and her significant other Tyler Cole; grandchildren Robin Lawrence and her husband, Chris, Danielle (Mayo) Skinner and her husband Jeremy, Zachary (Lawrence) and his wife Caryl, Katelyn Mayo; 8 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great- grandson; his sister Carolyn (Lawrence) Maranville and her husband AJ, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visiting hours will be held for both Leo Jr and Claire on Friday, October 4th, from 11am-1pm at Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad Street in Claremont, NH. A Prayer will begin at 1PM with burial to follow at St. Mary Cemetery.
