NAUGATUCK/NORWALK, CONN John J. "Jack" Lawrence, Jr., a longtime Norwalk resident, passed away on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 in the Wilton Meadows following an illness. He was 90 years old and the beloved husband to Helen L. (Claus) Lawrence of 35 years, to whom he survives. Born in White Plains, NY on April 10, 1921, Jack was the son to the late John J. Sr. and Helen (Manzoni) Lawrence and graduated from Walden High School. While preparing for college, he attended Petty School in Heightstown, N.J., hoping for acceptance to Cornell. During that time, he volunteered to serve our Nation by joining the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII. Jack served in the Pacific Theater and was awarded numerous citations/decorations, including the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Upon his return home to the U.S., Jack worked as an engineer at Wright Aeronautical of N.J., where he helped develop the air cooled engine for the B-29. He relocated to Norwalk in the 1950's, and only recently moved to Naugatuck. Jack's father worked at the New York Times and was the developer the NY Times Magazine. It was the influence of his father's success which led him into the world of advertising. Jack subsequently opened up his own advertising proprietorship, Art Staff, Inc., on Madison Ave., NYC and devoted decades to the field. In 1988, Jack sold Art Staff, Inc to Bon-R Reproductions, Inc. and enjoyed the rest of his years in retirement. Jack was a devout Catholic and was a member of The Church of the Assumption, Westport for many years. He enjoyed traveling and took great pride in the many acres of land he owned. He could be found gardening and working in the yard, daily. Along with his loving wife, Jack is survived by a brother, Peter Lawrence of North Carolina and several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Lawrence will receive friends on Friday, February 03, 2012 in Norwalk's Hoyt-Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 5 East Wall Street from 6:00PM - 8:00PM. A graveside service with Military Honors will take place in the Rehoboth Village Cemetery, Rehoboth, Mass, which will be announced in the Spring. It is asked that Memorial Contributions be made to the Manna House in South Norwalk, to help those who are less fortunate. HOYT-COGNETTA is honored to assist Mrs. Lawrence with the arrangements.
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