T. Wayne Lawrence

— T. Waterford Wayne Lawrence, 83, beloved husband for 64 years of Cynthia (Bonardi) Lawrence, of Center Road, Waterford, passed away suddenly at his home Monday, May 16, 2022. Born in Westerly, he was the son of the late Henry and Florence Lawrence.

Wayne was a 1956 graduate of Stonington High School, where he was named All-State in basketball, and led the

Bears to the State Championship. He graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in education. In his senior year of college, he was selected for third team All-American. He was drafted by the Boston Celtics and later the New York Knicks, and was the last one to be cut by both teams.

He worked for 30 years as a history teacher at Waterford High School. He served as the head coach of the boys basketball team for 10 years. He then went on to become the assistant girls basketball and track coach. He also was the freshman boys baseball coach. He loved teaching his students and coaching the athletes. In 2005, he was part of the first inductees into the Stonington High School Hall of Fame. He served for many years on the Stonington High School Hall of Fame committee.

He was surrounded by his loving family, wife Cynthia, Bridgit (Michael) Buscetto and Tracy (Scott) Powell. He was predeceased by his son Thomas Wayne Lawrence Jr.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Waterford High School in care of Kirk Samuelson, 20 Rope Ferry Road, Waterford, CT 06385. Checks are payable to Waterford High School Scholarship Fund. In the memo line, please put T. Wayne Lawrence Basketball Scholarship. This scholarship was started in 1997, upon his retirement. It is presented to one male and one female who are going on to higher learning and who exemplify excellence in academics, athletics and qualities of good sportsmanship.

At Wayne’s request, the funeral service and burial are private, and held at the convenience of the family. Gaffney-Dolan has charge of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhomes.com.