LAWRENCE DANIEL SOWINSKI

1941 - 2017

Death comes to all, but great achievements build a monument which shall endure until the suns grows cold. Ralph Waldo Emerson It is with a saddened heart that I announce the passing of Lawrence Daniel Sowinski.He died on Monday, August 21, 2017, at the age of 77 at Connecticut Hospice in Branford, Connecticut. Born on June 20, 1941, in Albertson, New York to Stephanie Niemczyk and Joseph Sowinski, Larry attended Saint Dominic's High School. He received his BA in Advertising and Design from the State University of New York (Farmingdale) and attended to post graduate studies at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Larry served in the US Navy from 1959 - 1963. His professional profile presented skills and expertise that included- Museum Director, Planning strategist, Exhibit developer and designer, Naval historian, Published naval author, Master scratch built ship modeler, Art director, and Illustrator. Larry served as the Director of the Knights of Columbus Museum in New Haven, Connecticut, Executive Director of the Palm Springs Air Museum, Palm Springs California, and Executive Director, Director of Exhibits, Trustee and Vice President of the Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum in New York City. Larry was a remarkable man. His love of history, his love of the lines and grace of US naval ships and the men who commanded and served aboard them was extraordinary. His love of family, God, and country will be remembered and celebrated by all who knew and loved him. Larry's multiple talents fueled by his commitment to give nothing than less his best, allowed for his challenges to be met and his promises to be kept. His awards are a testament to his achievements: The Knights of Columbus Award of Honor - 2012 • US Navy Bicentennial Commendation - 1976 • Special Merit Former Intrepid Crewmen's Association - 1986,1989,1994 • Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit, Republic of Poland - 1990 • Man of the Year, Destroyer Escort Historical Foundation -1991• Special Services Award Department of the Navy - 1990,1992 • The Silver Helmet Defense Award, AMVETS - 1996 Larry is survived by his son Zachary, his former spouse Maria Freda, his brothers Tom and Peter as well as his loving nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Joe. Services will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2017, at 10:00 am at Saint Mary's Church, 5 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511. To sign the online guestbook please visit hawleylincolnmemorial.com.