Lawrence Eccleston

Lawrence "Larry" Ned Eccleston passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on February 20, 2026, at 5:08 PM at the age of 77. Lawrence was born on August 28, 1948, in Acushnet, MA, to the parents of Victoria Querim and Robert Eccleston of New Bedford, MA. He graduated from New Bedford High School in 1968.

Lawrence was drafted on February 5, 1969, by the United States Army and served until September 9, 1970. Twelve out of nineteen of those months was with the First Cavalry Division Airmobile in the Vietnam War. After being honorably discharged, Lawrence served as a Police Officer for the City of New Bedford, MA, from 1974 until his retirement in 1992. During his time in the police force he obtained an associate'sdegree in criminal justice from Bristol Community College.

On April 17, 1976, Lawrence exchanged vows with the love of his life, Zenaida Maria Medeiros. They had a simple ceremony in New Bedford with family and friends celebrating them. Lawrence moved to Swanzey, NH, in 2002 to begin his most important mission in his life, being an amazing grandfather to his four grandchildren.

Lawrence loved spending time with his grandchildren, even having bonus grandchildren, Gillian, and Jaxon Frink of Keene, NH. He loved giving nicknames to everyone, which made them feel so special. He had a love of music, watching sports, reading,cigars and was an avid bowler. Lawrence will be missed by his family, countless friends, and anyone who came across him.

Mr. Eccleston is survived by his loving wife Zenaida Maria Eccleston of 50 years. He is also survived by his son Robert L. Eccleston II and his wife, Jennifer Eccleston of Swanzey, NH, his two stepsons Michael Azevedo of Manchester by the Sea, MA, and Christopher Azevedo of New Bedford, MA. His four grandchildren, Sydney Victoria Eccleston, and his grandson son-in-law, Brad Sampson of Swanzey, NH, Alexis Zenaida Eccleston of Swanzey, NH, Coral Ann Azevedo of Glen Gardner, NJ, and Reed Azevedo of Fair Haven, MA. His nephews, Jason, Eric, and Alex Eccleston of MA, Kevin Medeiros of Somerset, MA, his nieces, Kelly Cockrell of Somerset, MA, and Tammy Powers of New Bedford, MA. Along with many extended family and friends. Larry is predeceased by his father Robert L. Eccleston, his mother Victoria Querim, and his brother Wayne Eccleston.

A military graveside service will be at 2:00pm on Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Ave. Buzzards Bay, MA. 02542. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a local organization, Ruck-Up, 42 Upper Knight Rd. Keene, NH. 03431 or ruck-up.org.

All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, Chapel, and Crematories. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com (http://www.cheshirefamilyfh.com/).