Lawrence Crowley

Oldsmar, Fla. — Lawrence P. Crowley, 97, of Oldsmar, formerly of New London and Meriden, died peacefully at home in the presence of his family on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 11, 2018. He was born in New London, on May 8, 1920, the fourth child of John and Annie (Sullivan) Crowley. He loved growing up with Neil, John and Rita and valued his relationships with them and their families throughout his life. He was a proud 1938 graduate of Bulkeley School. College was not an option due to family circumstances, so he went to work at a machine shop and was happy to play baseball on the company team with his brothers. In September 1939, before the U.S. became involved in World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy because it provided a pension after 20 years of service. He served for six years and left to take advantage of the GI Bill and attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering. After college, he returned to his hometown and worked at General Dynamics, Electric Boat Division, which built submarines.

It was in New London that he met Edna Bednarczyk; they married in 1951 and raised three children. He was involved in many of his children’s activities while they were growing up. His children and grandchildren were the pride and joy of his life.

He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Joseph and Jean Crowley of Holmdel, N.J.; two daughters, Laureen Crowley of Orlando, Fla., and Helen Anne Crowley of Oldsmar, Fla.; four grandchildren, Christine Higley, Brody Algier, Austin Algier and Brendan Crowley; and many nieces and nephews.

He deeply valued his extended family, which includes numerous nieces and nephews. He organized a family reunion in Sanford, Fla., in 2016 with more than 60 family members in attendance.

In addition to his love of his family, he was committed above all else to his duty to God and his duty to his country. He was a lector at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church in New London, and continued to be an active member of Catholic churches wherever he resided. He was a member of the U.S. Submarine Veterans of WWII, member of the Knights of Columbus and founding member of Save Ocean Beach.

Calling hours are from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 27, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday in St. Joseph Church, with entombment in St. Mary Mausoleum.

Memorial contributions may be made to an organization of the donor’s choice.

Condolences may be shared on Mr. Crowley’s memorial page at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.