Horace B. Lamb Jr.

Mystic - Horace B. Lamb Jr., of Mystic, retired co-owner of the former Santin Chevrolet Co., in Mystic, died at age 86 on May 4, 2012, at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital. He was involved in the automobile business for 37 years and was a past president of the New London Automotive Trades Association. His long list of community activities included his service as a corporator of the Chelsea Groton Bank since 1955 and 50 years membership in the Charity and Relief Lodge of Masons #72, where he was recognized as a 32nd Degree Mason. Mr. Lamb was on the board of the Elm Grove Cemetery and treasurer of the Lower Mystic Cemetery. Mr. Lamb also served as a trustee and past commodore of the Ram Island Yacht Club and a trustee of the Mystic-Noank Library, where he applied his interest in woodworking and leaves a legacy of high quality, handmade furnishings. He served a term on the Groton RTM as well as the Town Planning Commission, was treasurer of the local chapter of the Salvation Army for several years, was a former member of the Groton Kiwanis Club, and served for 25 years as a volunteer at the Mystic Seaport. In addition to being a devoted and loving family man committed to his community, Horace will be remembered for his skill in woodworking, enjoyment of World War II books, love of sailing, and appreciation of local art.

A native of Mystic, Mr. Lamb was born in New London, on Nov. 18, 1925, the son of Horace Bernard and Ruth (Tingley) Lamb. A 1943 graduate of Robert E. Fitch High School, Horace signed up as a submariner during World War II, where he served in the U.S. Navy aboard the submarine #334 Cabezon in the Pacific Theatre. After his military service, Horace obtained his associate of arts degree from Mitchell College in New London and received specialty training at the General Motors Institute in Flint, Mich.

Mr. Lamb married Doris E. Santin on Aug. 20, 1949, in Mystic.

In addition to his beloved wife, survivors include his three daughters, Nancy Lamb Handler and her husband, Michael Handle, of Manchester and Mumford Cove, Patricia Lamb of Hartford, Sally Ann Lamb and her partner, Kippy Wroten, and daughter, Jennifer of Irvine, Calif., and Bishops Cove; and his granddaughter, Sarah Lamb Handler of Boston.

Mr. Lamb was predeceased by six half sisters, Elsie Barstow, Louise Briggs, Priscilla Wilcox, Eleanor Blazo, Katherine Gildersleeve, and Dorothy Blazo.

The Lamb family will be holding a private memorial service in the Chapel at the Elm Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Mystic-Noank Library or the Salvation Army.

The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl St., historic downtown Mystic, is assisting the family.

To share a note of remembrance/condolence with his family, please visit www.dinotofuneral.com