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Gerald James "Jerry" Lawrence

Gerald James "Jerry" Lawrence obituary, Old Lyme, CT

FUNERAL HOME

Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home

34 Main Street

Centerbrook, Connecticut

Gerald Lawrence Obituary

Old Lyme - Gerard James "Jerry" Lawrence, 90, died Jan. 9, 2024. He died of complications related to pneumonia while in hospice care at Greenwich Hospital.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife Fleur (née Hahne). They were lovingly happily married for 58 years. Also left to mourn are their four children, Christopher (Eileen) of Killingworth, Kirsten (Sander) of Greenwich, Melissa (Marc) of Barcelona, and James (Rebecca) of Charleston; thirteen grandchildren, and a large extended family in Sweden.

Jerry was born in New York City, the treasured only child of Anne (née Collins) and John Lawrence. Hard working, disciplined, and competitive, he was a high achiever from an early age. At the conclusion of high school, he was Valedictorian, a Division I basketball recruit ("the Elmhurst Flash"), and he sang at the senior prom ("Too Young"). He was a proud product of NYC, and he loved the city, especially the courts at Rockaway Beach, St. John's, the New York Giants, Jimmy Weston's and the Giraffe.

Jerry was a graduate of Xavier High, St John's, USMC, NY Medical College (Flower 5th Avenue), and Yale Orthopedic Residency Program.

Jerry was an orthopedist in Willimantic at Windham Community Memorial Hospital. He loved being a doctor, he loved taking care of people, and he was a dedicated member of the community. He was a consulting orthopedist to UConn, ECSU, and Windham High School. He was also for many years the orthopedist for USA Basketball, the Big East Tournament, and the U.S. Open (tennis). Jerry also served terms as Chairman of the Board at Windham Hospital, President of the Connecticut Orthopedic Society, on the UConn Board of Trustees and on the UConn Health Center Board of Trustees.

Scholar, athlete, man of faith and principle, voracious reader and student of history and politics, world traveler, but most importantly a man who loved his family, Jerry will be dearly missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday Jan. 16, at the Robinson Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street, Centerbrook. Funeral Services will take place at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17, at The First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, Lyme Street, Old Lyme. Burial will follow at the Duck River Cemetery in Old Lyme. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Fleur and Jerry Lawrence Endowed Scholarship at the University of Connecticut or to Windham Hospital.

To share a memory of Jerry or send a condolence to his family please visit www.rwwfh.com

Death be not proud, though some here called thee

Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so,

For those whom thou think'st thou dost overthrow

Die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me. - Donne

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Jan. 13, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Lawrence

Sponsored by Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home.

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Dawn Riquier Shayer

February 4, 2024

My heart is broken!!! My very first encounter with doctor Lawrence was at 5 years old, when he was doing his internship at Newington Crippled Children's Hospital, he was the most caring,gentle man I have ever met! He appeared to me,to be a giant, but his eyes and smile,assured me he was a gentle giant! As tall as he was,he made sure to lower himself, down to my level,as he sat on the floor, not to feel overwhelming to a 5 year old!! Even though he was doing his internship, I knew I could trust him,and everyday,he made it a point, to stop in and say hello, at 5 years old, I knew he was special!! Believe it or not, at 5 years old,I knew I found a trusted friend! He was an amazing doctor, and one of the few that listened! He was sooo much more, than a doctor! He was a sounding board for the pros and cons of many many surgeries! And he was always willing not just to explain, each and every surgery, but the options that I had. I will never be able to put into words the many times he tried to do the lesser surgery, in hopes of buying me time, and that he did. My heart hurts, not only to have lost such an amazing doctor, but an amazing friend! He never said, " we have to do this" or "we have to do that" he always said, why,and what he believed the outcome was. Then together we decided! He was never an in and out, doctor, he ALWAYS explained the possibilities, and then we decided together!
You are the best! Till we meet again my friend,thanks for being my biggest advocate,and may the perpetual light shine upon you!!!!

John Johnson

January 27, 2024

John Johnson

January 27, 2024

Flour, one of my most favorite people. He was such a fine man and I know how much you adored each other. Fabulous human being and since his passing, I have thought often of the good times Diana and I spent with you and Jerry. Be well and please text me where I can send a contribution to the Lawrence Scholarship Fund at UCONN. You can text me at 860-235-3335.

Much love, be well and say hi to Jerry tonite for me.

John Johnson
New London, CT

Jeff Bopp

January 18, 2024

To Fleur her children and grandchildren,
I wish to extend our sympathies on behalf of my sisters Sandy, Ellen and myself. Jerry and my father, Ray Bopp, were colleagues and partners at Windham Hospital and 150 Mansfield Avenue. Fleur, both you and Jerry were always nice to us, and Jerry repaired my orthopedic sports injuries as a youth. My parents Ray and Jackie greatly appreciated your friendship over the span of many years. Jerry was always kind and gracious, and will be missed by all who had the opportunity to interact with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Lawrence family through this trying and difficult time.
May you have peace and solace,
Jeff Bopp

claire gaudiani

January 18, 2024

Dearest Fleur, Our love and prayers surround you as you part only briefly with precious Jerry. How blessed you and I have been to share a wonderful life with such unique and Good men. many hugs, claire

Sharon Kennedy Hollay

January 16, 2024

My Deepest Sympathies to all of Dr. Lawrence´s family on behalf of myself and the entire Kennedy family from Storrs. My Dad,Coach Bob Kennedy and my Mom, Eileen Kennedy - nurse for Dr. Ralph Gilman and my siblings. We all considered Dr. Lawrence a great doctor and a friend. He operated on me twice and he "rescued me" when no other physician could help! He listened and knew exactly what was wrong! He was a kind, caring, and wonderful person. I will remember him always. May your memories fill your hearts always.
Sharon Kennedy Hollay

David Pelletier

January 15, 2024

To the Lawrence family-
On behalf of the Riel and Pelletier family formerly of Woodstock, CT, I extend my sincerest condolences on the passing of your husband, father, relative and friend, GERARD LAWRENCE, MD. My late parents long ago consulted Dr Lawrence for some orthopaedic matters at his old office at 150 Mansfield Avenue, Willimantic, CT, many years back and he was a professional in every sense of the word, solid and very personable to those who sought his counsel as a physician. May his medical service towards mankind be rewarded in life everlasting. Respectfully submitted-
David Pelletier
Philadelphia, PA
(Son of Frances Lachance-Pelletier Riel/1931-2017)
(Stepson of Patrick Riel/1931-2020)

Madeleine

January 14, 2024

Dear Fleur, I am heartbroken for you, but then I think it is wonderful, that he is free. He was, for me, a wonderful person, a great friend, honest and nice, a real gentleman always.
I am sorry I can't be there with you and hold your hand, hug you, and tell you how very sorry I am.
Sending you and the children my sincere sympathy and love
madeleine

Maureen and Mike Pernal

January 13, 2024

To Fleur

You may remember us as neighbors on Babcock. Please accept our sincerest condolences upon learning of his passing. He was a wonderful husband and father as well as a pillar of our community. As did you, he set a marvelous example of how to be a true leader in the community. In addition his medical expertise, improved the lives of countless individuals. May he rest in peace. We will never forget him. Maureen and Mike Pernal

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Memorial Events
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Jan

16

Calling hours

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home

34 Main Street, Centerbrook, CT 06409

Jan

17

Funeral service

11:30 a.m.

The First Congregational Church of Old Lyme

Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT

Funeral services provided by:

Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home

34 Main Street, Centerbrook, CT 06409

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