Avon Obituary: David Lawrence, 79

The family of David Harvey Lawrence is sad to announce the passing of their beloved father, grandfather and brother on October 23, 2017.

David was born on December 29, 1937 in West Groton, Massachusetts. He graduated from Groton High School and later from Colby College in Waterville, Maine with a major in Geology. David began his career as a science teacher in the Groton Public School system and continued to teach science in Tenafly, New Jersey. He also worked for the science and educational division of McGraw Hill Publishing Company.

After earning a Master’s Degree in School Administration, David settled with his family in Bloomfield, and began his 23 year career with the Hartford Public Schools. He served as Vice Principal at Fox Middle and Weaver High and later became Principal at Quirk Middle School. David was highly respected by his colleagues, staff members, students and the parent community. He was instrumental in the development of the South Middle School (now West) and was selected to lead as its first Principal. David was a lifelong educator and a passionate advocate for the prevention of high school dropouts.

For many years, David was an active member of the First Congregational Church in Bloomfield. He connected easily with the Youth Fellowship and enjoyed leading outward bound adventures and activities. David was a trained soloist and frequently shared his mesmerizing voice to the delight of his family and the congregation, especially during holiday services and special occasions. He was also an avid skier and hiker and he enjoyed occasional rounds of golf with his father and sons.

In retirement, David and his wife Heidi moved to a hilltop in Whitingham,Vermont where they cross country skied together and enjoyed hosting family and friends. David found great joy in his roles performing in local musical and theatrical productions.

Following the death of his wife, he returned to Connecticut. Throughout his years, David approached life with a playful and easy-going spirit. He amused those around him with his goofy, often macabre sense of humor. He especially delighted in creating costumes and laughing with his eyes through spooky Halloween masks.

David was predeceased by his wife Heidi, his parents Harvey and Viola Lawrence and his sister Linda Lawrence Keirstead. He is survived by his sister Karen Lawrence Haskell, his four children, Keith Lawrence, Krista Lawrence, Deanne Lawrence and Kevin Lawrence; his two step-daughters, Heather Maine Downey and Holly Maine, and by his grandchildren, Andrew Johnson, Olivia Jones, Zachary Lawrence and Ryan, Connor and Quinn Downey.

A family gathering will be held for David in Wolfeboro NH.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Seasons Hospice Foundation, 8537 Solution Ctr, Chicago, IL 60677 or Alzheimer’s Association, ALZ.org.