1955 - 2008

Bruce died Friday, September 12, after a period of declining health. He was born August 27, 1955 in Salem, son of the late Robert C. Lawrence, Sr. and Emilie (Spiliotis) Lawrence. He was raised in Leominster and had lived in Texas and California prior to moving to Gloucester in 1985. He moved back to Leominster in 2002. He was employed as an Administrative Executive for Leominster businessman and philanthropist Ronald M. Ansin. As a distinguished community activist, Bruce spent many years in service to community organizations. He was on the Board of Directors of The Thayer Symphony Orchestra in Leominster, The United Way of North Central Massachusetts, The Alexis de Tocqueville Society, Community Builders, The Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Mass, The AmeriCulture Arts Program at Fitchburg State College, The Jewish Heritage Endowment Board at Fitchburg State College, ARC (Association of Retarded Citizens), The Fitchburg Riverfront Park Campaign, The Visitors Board at Applewild School in Fitchburg, The Fitchburg Cycling Club, The Fitchburg By Design Theatre Redevelopment Project, The City of Fitchburg's Theatre Feasibility Study, the Montachusett Branch of the American Heart Association, and most recently Spectrum Health Systems in Worcester. In 1992, he was elected Secretary of the Gloucester Democratic City Committee, and was a delegate to the 1994 Massachusetts Democratic Convention. He served in 1995 as Media Liaison for the Burke for Mayor Committee in Gloucester and was a member of the 1994 and 1996 Fitchburg Inaugural Committees. He was the founder/ President and CEO of The Night Star Group in Leominster MA, Director of Moonlighting Enterprises in Ascutney, VT and most recently a committee member for NES2K (the official Honda S2000 Car Club). In 2005, Bruce proudly proclaimed both his acting debut and retirement from the 'international stage' playing the role of Dennis Shepard in Fitchburg State College's production of The Laramie Project performed in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Bruce leaves his husband, Ira W. Leighton III; three brothers, Robert C., Jr. of Hope Valley, RI, Richard C. of Bealeton, VA, and Glenn S. of Keene, NH; a sister, Audrey L. Quigley of Canton; nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many close friends. He also leaves the Karen & Jeff Bean family of Fitchburg, of whose "unique extended family" he was blessed to have been a member. A brother, Kenneth Allen Lawrence, predeceased him in 1956. LAWRENCE At his request, there will be no calling hours or funeral. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday September 27, 12 noon to 2 P.M. at Rollstone Congregational Church, 199 Main St., Fitchburg a light tea will be served immediately following in Cookman Hall at the Church. In lieu of flowers, requests for donations may be made to "The Bruce Lawrence Teen Center", being created in his honor at The Boys and Girls Club of North Central Massachusetts, 365 Lindell Ave., Leominster, MA 01453. Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd., Fitchburg is assisting the family with arrangements.