George R. Lawrence 1934-2021

George was born Aug. 19, 1934, in the same house he would call home for life, to Michael and Anna Gulas Lawrence.

After the tragic loss of his mother at a young age, George grew up in the company of his many brothers, fostering a trademark lighthearted sense of humor. He graduated from Union High School in 1952. During high school, George worked at Ms. Totten’s telephone company in New Wilmington, Pa., and continued that work following his high school graduation, while at home on leave while serving in the Army. Following his honorable discharge from the Army in 1957, George began his 35-year career at Ohio Bell Telephone Company, traveling throughout Ohio with the maintenance of more than 40 buildings under his purview, before retiring as a building foreman in 1992.

A skilled dancer, he met the love of his life, the former Joann R. Gorski, at Avon Oaks Ballroom in her native Youngstown, whom he would marry May 3, 1958, and together raise a family of five loving daughters, 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

George was an avid sportsman, craftsman, conservationist and family man. He especially enjoyed hunting, encouraging many to partake in the sport, including his nephews, sons-in-law, grandchildren and neighbors. George was most at home being outdoors on the family farm, often with his dog at his side, undertaking meticulous care of the property with gardening, woodworking and many home projects. Combining his craftsmanship with his love of nature, George built countless bird houses and bird feeders, supplying them to neighbors and family alike and working to restore the blue bird population in the area. Always generous with his time, George was a constant supportive presence for his daughters, sons-in-law, and their families.

George was a lifelong member of St. James the Apostle Parish in New Bedford (later Holy Spirit Parish), where he was a member of the men’s group and shared his time and talent as an usher, a member of the building committee and personally laboring many hours in the construction of the new church, CCD center and social hall.

George is survived by his wife, Joann, in whose selfless care he remained at home in his final years; his children, Trish (Jeff) Julian, Laurie (Jeff) Mangino, Linda Romeo, Sally Lawrence and Karen (Brian) Emler; his grandchildren, Danielle (James) McEachern and Alan Julian, Noel and Adam (JaVonna) Mangino, Nicholas (Kelly), Justin and Zachary Romeo (and their father Donald), Perry and Lucas Provenzano, and Rachel and Lauren Emler; and great-grandchildren, Lena, Rocco, Avalyn, Emma, and one on the way.

George was preceded in death by his parents, and his seven brothers, Samuel, Michael, Peter, Joseph, Paul, Albert and Edward.

The Lawrence family has entrusted arrangements to the Wasko Funeral Home in Campbell. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, 5 to 7 p.m. The family kindly requests that masks be worn during the funeral services.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Holy Spirit Parish, St. Mary Roman Catholic Church in New Castle, Pa., Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, at 10 a.m. Fr. Joseph McCaffrey will preside.

The Lawrence family would like to extend its appreciation to the caregivers who provided tremendous care and support to George at his home, as well as a special thanks to the Kindred Hospice staff for their caring assistance.

Visit www.waskofamily.com to view this obituary and to leave condolences with the family.

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