Gary Milton Lawrence

Gary's Tribute Video and Memorial Service may be viewed at the bottom of his obituary.


GROTON - Gary Lawrence died unexpectedly, at the age of 59, on Sunday, September 20th at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Nashua, NH.

He was born in Groton, MA on April 12, 1961 and was the son of the late Milton and Hilda Lawrence. Gary grew up in Groton and graduated from Groton-Dunstable Regional High School in 1980.  During his school years, he played baseball and hockey for the town.

Over the years, Gary worked as a painter for Haberman Painting and a roofer for Jeff Corey Roofing.

Gary enjoyed watching his New England Patriots. He cared deeply about his family and many friends.  He always had an extra Bud Light to share.  Gary spent many years of his life living on Lost Lake. Being on the lake was his “heaven on earth” and where he was the happiest.


When Gary ran into people he knew throughout his day, he was always quick with a friendly smile and would greet you with “How ya doing”?  He was a friend to everyone.  If he wasn’t sure he knew you, he would offer a handshake and say “Hi,  I’m Gary Lawrence, do I know you?”  Gary was voted Class Clown in high school.  He  never lost his witty humor; it only got funnier.

Gary had a generous soul and always ready to lend a hand. He died doing what he enjoyed the most....chopping wood along with his best childhood friend.

Gary leaves behind his son, Chad Lawrence of Holden, MA and his three sisters, Peggy Straitiff and her husband Ralph of Pepperell, MA, Candy Dearborn and her husband Harold (Skip) of Ludlow, MA, Heidi Rose and her husband Steven of Hampton, VA and his big brother, Peter Lawrence and his wife Carol of Glenpool, OK, plus several nieces and nephews.  We would also like to give a special thanks to the Manley and Corey families for all their support over the years!

In lieu of flowers, due to his love for Lost Lake, the family requests donations be made in Gary’s memory to the Groton Lake Association, P.O.Box 646, Groton, MA 01450.

Services for Gary will be held on Friday, September 25 at 4 PM. The service will be private for the immediate family. Those who wish to attend remotely may do so via the funeral home Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/mcgaffiganfuneral.

Gary's family will then receive friends and family during a public visitation on Friday, September 25th from 5-7PM, at the McGaffigan Family Funeral Home - 37 Main Street (Rte. 113) - Pepperell, MA.  A private burial will be held at a later date.