Joseph D. Lawrence, 86, of Wethersfield, beloved husband of Frances (Sitaro) Lawrence, went to be with his heavenly Father on Sunday, April 2, 2023. Born September 6, 1936 in Hartford, CT, son of the late Joseph J. and Amelia (Sakalauskas) Lawrence, Joe attended St. Peter’s School, Bulkeley High School, Trinity College (BA, MA), and the University of Hartford (sixth year certificate in education administration). He proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps Third Battalion Sixth Marines, taught history and was an administrator in the Hartford Public School System for 37 years, retiring from Naylor School in 1994. After retirement, he continued his career in education as an adjunct professor of history and education at St. Joseph College and Central Connecticut State University, and an assessor for the BEST program for the State of Connecticut. He enjoyed walks on the beach, fishing, gardening, going to sporting events including the GHO and Hartford Whalers, watching the UConn Huskies and NFL on Sundays, and “relaxing” at the Connecticut casinos. Service was an important part of his life. He was a faithful lector of Sacred Heart Church for nearly 50 years, co-chair of the Pastoral Council, Trustee of the parish, and was awarded the Archdiocesan St. Joseph Medal of Appreciation in 2011. In addition, he worked at the polls for the elections, volunteered at the GHO and TPC golf tournaments, wrote the “At the Fronton” column for Hartford Jai Alai, and was an usher at The Bushnell in Hartford for 25 years. His greatest joy was his family, to whom he was devoted.

Besides his loving wife Fran of 57 years, he leaves his son, Joseph D. Lawrence Jr. and daughter, Mary F. Lawrence. He also leaves behind a brother, David (Gail) Lawrence, nephew, Matthew Lawrence, nieces, Tammie (Hans) Koning, Theresa (Joseph) Lederer, Jeannine (Tony) Leone and Katie (Joe) Rogers his great-nieces and nephews, Angelina Koning, Jayden Koning, Lyra Koning, Tristan Lawrence, Michael Leone, Aurora Leone and Joey Rogers. Joseph also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Carolyn (Greg) Zinck as well as a brother-in-law, Thomas (Mary) Sitaro.

Friends and family may call on the Lawrence family on Monday, April 10, 2023 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 34 Beaver Road, Wethersfield. The funeral will begin at 9:30am on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am at Corpus Christi Church of Christ the King Parish, 601 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield. Burial to follow in Village Cemetery, 1 Marsh Street, Wethersfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to House of Bread or ImmaCare in Hartford. For further information, or to leave a condolence, please visit FarleySullivan.com.