OBITUARY - Phillip J. Lawrence

Philip J. Lawrence, 66, a resident of Concord, Ma died on Tuesday. July 23rd.  He was the beloved husband of Margaret (Peggy) O’Neill Lawrence, his wife of forty four years.  He was the proud and loving father of Edward Andrew Lawrence of Barrington, RI,, Brian Lawrence of Concord, Ma., Brendan Lawrence of Arlington Va., Nora Lawrence of Brighton, Ma. and two grandchildren Penelope Claire and Violet Abigail Lawrence, also of Barrington RI. He is also survived by his brothers Theodore Lawrence, MD, of Ann Arbor MI and Fredrick Lawrence Esq. of Waltham MA.   

Phil grew up on Long Island.  He graduated from Amherst College. At Amherst he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and Sigma Xi honorary societies.  He went on to earn a PhD in the History of Science from Harvard University, and an MBA from The Harvard Business School where he graduated with distinction as a Baker Scholar. He served on the faculties of both Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and The Harvard Business School.   He went on to a career as a consultant to the financial services industry.

Phil was active and involved in the town of Concord.  He was a member of the Public Works Commission from 1995 to 2001and included serving as its chair. He was a member of the Light Board from 2002 to 2008.  Phil served on the Board of Directors of the Fenn School from July 1992 through 1999, Treasurer from 1994 through 1999 and on the Finance Committee from 1997 to 1998. He was active in Concord Youth soccer, coaching teams for each of his children and served as an area coordinator for the league. He danced with his daughter in the party scene of the Commonwealth Civic Ballet’s Production of The Nutcracker.

Beyond his family, he had a special love of history and could speak knowledgeably on a broad range of historical topics, with a special love of all things western and John Wayne. He was a loyal Amherst graduate, supported the institution generously and watched with pride as two of his children followed in his footsteps to his alma mater.    He spent his free time building intricate scale models of both 17th and 18th century sailing ships and barks.  These museum quality projects, some of which took as much as nine years to build, filled his home.  He will be remembered for his devotion to his wife, his love of his family, his commitment to his close friends, and his love for the community of Concord.  

Family funeral services were private.   A public memorial service to be announced. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hugh Cargill Trust c/o Town Hall, PO Box 535, Concord Ma.

Arrangements under the care of Glenn D. Burlamachi, CFSP CONCORD FUNERAL HOME, Concord. To share a memory, leave a condolence and for service updates visit www.concordfuneral.com.