RALPH B. LAWRENCE

NOVEMBER 11, 1922 - DECEMBER 2, 2021

Ralph B Lawrence of Philadelphia, PA passed away on December 2, 2021.

Son of Ralph Lawrence and Christine (Virgilio) Lawrence. Beloved Husband of Maria (Pantaleo) Lawrence. Loving father to Ralph, Carol, Maria, Christine, Bart (Maureen) and Donna (Kevin). Dedicated grandfather to 23 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren

Uncle Ralphie to numerous nieces and nephews.

Dad was in his 99 ^th year and succumbed to old age and happily joins mom in heaven.

He will be sadly missed by his loving family and friends.

There were many reasons why I loved and respected my dad. Most significant in my mind and which probably affected me the greatest was that he was an over achiever. From very humble beginnings he constantly improved our lives, which provided us with a stable base to be normal people. I will miss you, Dad.

Love, Chip

Being the oldest girl in the family, I had the unique pleasure of being daddy's little girl for a brief time. His dreams of me being a princess ballerina, as silly as it sounds, were dashed as I am a klutz.

As an older adult, I was his secretary as he was a forever the executive. Our life with dad and mom was the epitome of times in the 50s and 60s, loving our family life was easy and wonderfully crowded.  Dad, enjoy heaven till we meet again.

Love, Carol

I am the third child of Ralph and Mary Lawrence.  Today is very gray and very somber.  Pretty much how I and my brothers and sisters are feeling.  I am trying to write part of the obit for my dad.  He passed on December 2, 2021.  He had just turned 99 and we all believed we would have him with us forever.  That was not to be.

My dad was smart, intelligent, witty, sardonic but mostly kind.  He truly believed in the Golden Rule, and he practiced it every day.  From high to the low, if you came to his home, you were welcomed with a cup of coffee and a sweet.  If sweets weren't available, then it was roll and butter.  He so loved his wife Maria or Aunt Mare, and he loved all his children.  And he loved the people that his children loved.  Sunday dinners were awesome.  Spaghetti and meatballs, our boyfriends working on mom's car and then dinner.  We would all sit down to a delicious meal and conversation.  We could discuss anything.  Very few topics were not allowed.  He encouraged his children to be free thinkers.

My Dad had amazing talents.  He painted, sculpted and in his later years, he authored a novel.  He thought, I believe, it would make some bucks so he could leave that to his children.  He left us so much more.  He taught us how to be good human beings. To be loving, thoughtful and always kind.  Of the three men I have loved the most, two are now gone.  Daddy, I am filled with heartbreak, and I know from experience that it will be with me for the rest of my life.

Love, Maria

I have so many memories of my dad it is hard to focus on just one, but I guess I loved how he was with my children, always helping them and showing them the right way. For me it was having him so long into adulthood, our lunches, and outings, and treks. I will always remember that he would say the greatest gift my mom gave him was his 6 kids.  Dad, I hope you are smiling now and holding Mommy in your arms. I will always love and miss you.

Love, Christine

Pop was such a huge part of our lives, he was almost like a monument, like Mount Rushmore. He was contemplative most of the time, silent maybe none of the time, but there all the time always, engaged and always asking. We knew where he was because when we would look up, he was there. He didn't play favorites, he loved us all equally and gave generously whenever he could. His contributions to not just our lives but to all those he loved and to the people we have become is immeasurable.

We love you, Bart and Maureen

My father was not a formally educated man, but he was the wisest man I ever knew. He was not always a churchgoing man, yet he was deeply spiritual. Beautiful in his imperfect humanity, he loved and protected all his children. He loved and protected those we loved.

I cannot yet understand the impact of his loss. I only know that to lose my father is one of the greatest griefs. Rest easy dad. We love you. I love you. You will always be with me.

Love, Donna Kevin, and Devin

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Ralph at St. Bede the Venerable Church followed by his burial at Washington Crossing National Cemetery  privately for family.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Ralph's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/give.html