Ernest H. Lawrence

NORTHFIELD - Ernest H. Lawrence, Sr., 79, died Saturday, April 9, 2011 at the Buckley HealthCare Center in Greenfield. Born in Bellows Falls, VT on Dec. 26, 1931, he was the son of the late Bert & Viola (Knight) Lawrence. Ernie was an Army Veteran of the Korean War, and served from 1949-1952 when he was honorably discharged as a Sergeant First Class. He lived in Granby prior to moving to Northfield 16 years ago, and worked as a farmer. The father of the late Christy Brown, he is survived by his wife of 18 years, Christine A. (Kapinos) Lawrence, eight children, Bettina Lawrence of Connecticut, Brenda Riopel of Brattleboro, VT, John Lawrence of Northfield, Ernest Lawrence, Jr. of Wilbraham, Peter Lawrence of Springfield, Monica Reed of Erving, Peggy Shartrand of North Adams, and Katrina Winship of Bernardston, two brothers, Bradley Lawrence of New Hampshire, and Rodney Lawrence of Brattleboro, VT, two sisters, Lillian Lane of Florida and Barbara Bradshaw of New Hampshire , 11 grandchildren, 1 great-granddaughter, as well as 5 step-children and 9 step-grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held privately by his family with burial taking place at a later date in the MA Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ernie's memory may be made to St. Jude Childrens' Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105-1942. For online condolences, please visit ryderfuneralhome.com. Funeral Arrangements are being handled by the Ryder Funeral Home of South Hadley, #413-533-1735.