William P. Lawrence

WINCHENDON – William P. Lawrence, 89, of 424 Hale Street, Winchendon, died peacefully Thursday morning, January 26th  in Heywood Hospital, Gardner, with his family by his side.

He was born in Winchendon on February 1, 1922, the son of the late Rodney W. and Pauline B. (Rogstad) Lawrence and was a lifelong resident here.

Bill worked as a machinist at American Can Co in Fitchburg until his retirement.  He had also done engineering work for Barkley and Dexter in Fitchburg.  In1940, Bill graduated from Murdock High School.  He joined the United States Navy in 1942, honorably serving as a Gunners Mate Second Class aboard the USS Washington.  He participated in 36 combats and was aboard the first battleship to sink a Japanese Battleship, without assistance from any other ship, during World War Two.

Active in his church and local veterans and Masonic organizations, Bill was a life member of the United Parish, where he served in many capacities since 1946.  He was a member of Eugene M. Connor Post #193 in Winchendon and was a life member of Lt. Frederick Wilder White Post VFW in Winchendon.  Bill was a member and Past Master of Artisan Lodge of Masons in Winchendon and was a Past Patron of the former Faith Chapter, Order of Eastern Star of Winchendon.  Bill also enjoyed golfing, traveling and particularly enjoyed spending time with his family.  Bill and his wife spent winters in Florida until four years ago.

He leaves his wife of 65 years, M. Elmina (Duguay) Lawrence; four children, William P. Lawrence and his wife Peg of Winchendon, Susan A. Jansson and her husband Jeremy of Westminster, Steven L. Lawrence of Orlando, FL and Cynthia A. Jowers and her husband Frank of Apopka, FL; four grandchildren, Kimberly Ricord, Leif Jansson, Kalah Jansson and Derek DeLeon;  four great grandchildren Benjamin Lawrence, Andrew Lawrence, Jennifer Ricord and Sydney Lawrence; a brother, Clarence Lawrence and his wife Joyce of St. Petersburg, Fl and one sister, Esther Richardson of Beltway, MD.  He was predeceased by two grandchildren, Pamela Lawrence and Peder DeLeon, as well as two brothers, Roger Lawrence and Leonard Lawrence and three sisters, Ruth Richards, Elizabeth Harris and Anna Millen.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 1st at 12 Noon in the United Parish, 39 Front Street, Winchendon.  The Rev. F. Calvin Miller will officiate.

Burial will follow in the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery.

Calling hours in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon are Tuesday, January 31st from 6 to 8 P.M.  Members of Artisan Lodge of Masons will conduct Masonic funeral services at 7 P.M.

Memorial donations may be made to the United Parish, 39 Front Street, Winchendon, MA 01475 or to the Salvation Army, 8 Union Street, Gardner, MA. 01440

www.stone-ladeau.com

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