John J. Lawrence MD, age 82 of Oronoque Village, Stratford, Connecticut and 60 year resident of Fairfield County, passed away Friday, November 30, 2012 at St. Vincent's Medical Center in Bridgeport after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He and his family resided in Fairfield, CT before retiring to Oronoque in 2007. Born in Manhattan, he was the son of the late Harry Austin Lawrence and Geraldine Walwyn Lawrence Johnson. He was the beloved husband of Lois Browne Lawrence. Survivors in addition to his wife Lois include three loving daughters, Julie Lawrence of Riverdale, NY; Carolyn Dion and her husband Michael of New Milford, CT; Maryleigh Antoun, her husband Jon and grandson Jonathan Lawrence Antoun of Harrisburg, PA; two nephews, David and Daniel Lawrence of greater Boston MA. He was predeceased by three brothers: Larry (Austin), Gerry and Irving. Dr. Lawrence received his Bachelor's degree from Manhattan College, Bronx, NY in 1953 and a Doctorate in Medicine in 1957 from Howard University in Washington, DC. He began his medical career as an intern at St. Vincent's Hospital, Bridgeport, CT. Dr. Lawrence established his private practice in Internal Medicine in 1962 and ran this practice until 1988 when he moved to the Administrative Staff of St. Vincent's Medical Center to become its first Chief Medical Officer. He devoted his life to the service of others and remained active in his community. He served as President of the Medical/Dental staff from 1984-1986 and as a member of the SVMC Board of Trustees from 1985-1988. He served on the Board of Directors of the Park City Primary Care Center and the Daughters of Charity National Health System Insurance. In addition, he also served a 9 year term as a Board member on Special Needs, the final two years as Board Chair. He tended to the residents of St. Joseph's Manor, and in 1999 received the Mother M. Angela Teresa Award for Service. Additionally he was physician to the Jesuit priests of Fairfield University. He will long be remembered at the Medical Center for his passion and commitment to quality patient care and to the mission and core values of the Daughters of Charity. His unwavering commitment to excellence consistently made him a "first" in most everything he did. Yet, he never defined his life as being a "first", but rather as doing his best. Having broken many barriers to entry himself, John was a teacher and mentor to many interns and young residents who began their careers at the Hospital. He will always be remembered as a truly "gentle" man whose compassion manifested itself in countless unpublished acts of generosity both personally and professionally. John was an avid golfer throughout his life. He served as Co-Chair of the SWIM Golf Tournament and the St. Vincent's Invitational Golf Tournament. He was Brooklawn Country Club's first black member. His friends called him Fairway John because his shots always landed in the fairway. He was a member Emeritus of The Guardsmen of Fairfield County. He enjoyed many summers with family and friends at his Oak Bluffs home on Martha's Vineyard, MA. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at 10:30am, meeting directly at St. James Church of Stratford, 2070 Main Street, Stratford, CT with a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will be private. Friends may call Tuesday 3:00pm – 8:00pm in the Redgate-Hennessy Funeral Home, Main Street and Gorham Place, Trumbull, CT 06611. Those who wish may make a contribution in his memory to www.curepc.org and or www.uncf.org To send online condolences please visit www.redgatehennessy.com