Ronald C. Lawrence

Ronald Clarence Lawrence, 82, of Langhorne, passed away peacefully at Chandler Hall Hospice on Thursday, December 15. A man of many interests, Ron loved to learn and to laugh in equal measure. Whether he was part of a talkative crowd considering sports or politics, or sitting quietly with a good book, Kitty on his lap and jazz playing in the background, Ron loved being close to family and friends.

Born in Summit Hill, PA on September 27, 1940, Ron was a graduate of Bryant College in Providence, RI and U.S. Navy Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI, and proudly served in the Navy as a LTJG, finishing his service stationed in Puerto Rico. Ron’s service in the Navy was followed by graduate study in education at Trenton State College and a wide range of occupations – from business services at Westinghouse and Food Fair, to establishing the first pre-school at a Pennsylvania factory at Red Rope Industries, to driving trucks, building cars for General Motors and, after retirement, driving a bus for disabled school children.

Ron was never defined by his working life however, and felt most rewarded pursuing his hobbies. He was an avid collector of everything from books and vintage eye cups to Carnival glass and much more, all of which he gathered and gifted with great expertise. Thoughtful and intelligent, Ron was a proud UAW and Teamster member, and a true history buff, reading widely about many facets of American social and political history. He was able to trace his family genealogy back to 1725, and he was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) – and a quietly and deeply patriotic man. His calm demeanor concealed a propensity for practical jokes and a passion for slapstick humor, while he also devoured all manner of British spy and detective series – in short, he loved comedy and cleverness in all forms.

Ron and his wife, Jennie Fazioli Smith, enjoyed their wide circle of friends across Bucks County, as well as in Venice, FL, where they had a home for several years. Some of their happiest times were spent on road trips, and meandering along the white crystal beaches and pristine waters of Anna Maria Island. 

Ron is survived by his wife, as well as his children from his first marriage, Kevin John Lawrence (Luise Moskowitz), and Karyn Michelle Lawrence; his stepdaughter Siobhan McCall Smith; and his grandchildren David and Triona Lawrence. He was predeceased by his brother Gary Lawrence of Albuquerque, NM, and his parents Edward “Ditty” Lawrence and Elizabeth “Betty” Redline Lawrence of Levittown, PA.

We miss you already, Dad, Poppy, Ron.

Interment for Ron will be held at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Rd, Newtown, PA 18940 on Friday May 19, 2023 at 1:00 PM. Those attending please arrive by 12:45 PM. 

Donations in Ron’s memory may be made at www.rescuepurrfect.com