Michael W. Lawrence

Michael W. Lawrence, 82, of Charlton, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 15, 2024, in the comfort of his home. He is reunited with his wife of fifty years, Anne Marie (Picard) Lawrence, who predeceased him in April 2016.

Michael is survived by their daughter, Nicole Szretter and her husband Scott, with whom he lived; three grandchildren, Logan, Jordyn, and Kathryn; a brother, Earl Lawrence; many nieces, nephews, and friends. Michael and Anne Marie sadly experienced the loss that no parent should have to experience when their son, Paul M. Lawrence, predeceased them in 1985. He was also predeceased by a sister, Audrey Hennessy. Michael was born in Whitinsville, the son of George M. and Pearl (Lariviere) Lawrence and lived in Worcester most of his life, before moving to Charlton in 2005. Michael served his nation proudly in the United States Navy.

Michael worked for many years at the General Motors Assembly Plant in Framingham until its closing in 1989. He remained active with the UAW, where he was on the Executive Board. He also operated L & L Painting for many years, a residential and commercial painting company. He spent several years during retirement working in the facilities department at the former University Commons in Worcester, Whittier Rehab, and the YMCA.

Michael was an ardent fan of the New England Patriots, through thick and thin. He enjoyed playing Pitch and loved to play cribbage and poker, he had a great skill at playing cards. He will be remembered as a great man. His greatest joy was his family and he knew he was the luckiest man to have his daughter and her family sharing their home.

Calling Hours will be on Friday, December 20, from 4 pm until 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. His Funeral will be on Saturday, December 21, with a procession departing the funeral home at 9:40 am enroute to a 10 am Funeral Mass at Saint Bernard’s Church Our Lady of Providence, 228 Lincoln Street, Worcester. Interment will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton, where he will be laid to rest beside his wife and son.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to NEADS, World Class Service Dogs, by visiting www.neads.org. or to the Cancer Center at UMass Hospital, by visiting www.ummhealth.org/giving.