Joseph Robert “Buzz” Lawrence, 80, of Worcester, died Thursday April 5, 2012 after a lengthy illness in Knollwood Nursing Center.
He leaves his beloved wife of 55 years, Joan Lawrence, five children, Richard Lawrence and his wife Kathy of Sturbridge; Donna Marie Miller and her husband Rick of Chandler, Arizona; Daniel Lawrence and his wife Alison of Midlothian, Virginia; Christopher Lawrence and his wife Brenda of Worcester and Brenda DePauw of Worcester. He also leaves six grandchildren. He was born in Niles, Ohio, a son of Stephen and Anna Lawrence and had lived in Worcester for most of his life. Joseph served in the U.S. Navy for 5 years during the Korean conflict.
Mr. Lawrence was a machinist for O.S. Walker Co., and worked many years before he retired. He was a member of Our Lady of Czestochowa Church. Joseph was also an avid fisherman. He has been a resident for the past two years at the Knollwood Nursing Center where he was “President ” of the residents association, enjoyed participating in activities and telling stories about his days in the Navy. The family would like to extend sincere appreciation to the staff at Knollwood Nursing Center including Sylvia and Deanna in activities which he looked forward to everyday. Warm thanks and appreciation to UMASS Memorial Hospice, who helped the family and Joseph in his last days.
The funeral will be held on Tuesday, April 10, from HENRY-DIRSA FUNERAL HOME, 33 Ward St., with a Mass at 10:30 AM in Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 34 Ward St. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours in the funeral home are Monday, April 9, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to UMASS Memorial Hospice, Development Office, 333 South St. 4th Floor, Shrewsbury, Ma., 01545.