Joseph J Lawrence Jr.

Joseph J. Lawrence,D.D.S, P.A. 88, passed away on May 4, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. He was born in Binghamton, New York in 1931 to the late Joseph and Mary Seroka Lawrence. He graduated from Niagara University in 1952 and went on to complete his D.D.S. degree from St. Louis University in 1956. He enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served as a dentist on the USS Antietam and LPH-7 Guadalcanal. He also served at military bases including the Naval Air Engineering Station in Lakehurst, New Jersey; Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia; Bethesda Naval Hospital (now Walter Reed National Military Medical Center) in Bethesda, Maryland; Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, North Carolina; and Naval Base Guam. Joe returned to Bethesda Naval Hospital where he retired after 20 years of distinguished service. During his career, Joe earned the Navy Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. He retired with the rank of Captain in 1976.

Joe and his family then moved to New Orleans, Louisiana where he served as Chair, Department of Periodontics and later as the Dean of Student Affairs at Louisiana State University School of Dentistry (LSUSD), Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. He retired from LSUSD in 1986.

After moving to Orlando, Florida, Joe taught dental hygiene at Valencia College. He also gave of his time and energy to numerous organizations such as Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, where he served over 4,000 volunteer hours. He also offered transport and a listening ear for oncology patients for the American Cancer Society, delivered food to home-bound seniors on behalf of Meals-on-Wheels, provided transportation for critically ill children and their families for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, and organized a program for Vitas Healthcare that recognized veterans for their years of military service.

An avid sports fan, Joe loved golf, was a member of Orange Tree Golf Club, and never missed a televised PGA tournament. He also enjoyed the New Orleans Saints, New York Yankees, and Orlando Magic.

Joe is preceded in death by his first wife, Virginia. He is survived by his devoted wife of 32 years, Jeanette. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Ann Dunn of Denver, Colorado; his daughter, Ann Marie (Lee) of Orlando; stepson Brian George of Lake Nona, Florida; stepdaughters Natalie Lochte (Steve) of Daytona Beach and Libby Krupinski (Todd) of Marysville, Ohio. His beloved grandchildren include Anthony Gaynor of Orlando; Nicole Gaynor (Kory) of Fort Lauderdale; Marisa Gaynor of Staten Island, NY; Keith George of Beaver Creek, Ohio; and Cynthia Ruiz (Faby

) of West Palm Beach. Beloved family also includes nieces and nephews Debbie Skojec, Robert Dunn, James Suskiewich, and Thomas Suskiewich.

Joe was a kind, loving, and humble servant who brought joy into the lives of all who knew and loved him. He never hesitated to give his best to those who needed him. Over the years he has stayed in touch with numerous Navy colleagues and dental students, who remember him with great love and admiration. He will also be lovingly missed by numerous friends and neighbors.

In lieu of flowers and in his memory, please consider a donation to one of Joe’s favorite organizations: Women Playing for T.I.M.E. (womenplayingfortime.org/about-us/), Dr. P. Phillips Hospital (orlandohealthfoundation.com) (cancer), or Vitas Healthcare (vitas.com).

A service with full military honors will be held July 12, 10:30 a.m Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, Mims, Fl.

“Fair winds and following seas, Sir. We have the watch”.