Patrick Edward Lawrence, 69, of Sherburne, New York, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on March 20, 1956, in Hamilton, Pat was the son of the late Gloria Lawrence. A lifelong resident of Sherburne, he dedicated his life to hard work, service, and community. After graduating high school, he began his career at Webb and Sons, where he served as store manager for thirty years. He later worked at Lok-N-Logs and retired from Steel Sales after twelve years as operations manager. Never one to sit still, Pat continued giving back by driving part-time for the Sherburne–Earlville Bus Department.
Pat’s commitment to public service was extraordinary. He served three five‑year terms as Sherburne Fire Chief—an uncommon and remarkable accomplishment—and devoted more than fifty years to the Sherburne Fire Department. His leadership, dedication, and steady presence shaped generations of firefighters and strengthened the community he loved.
On October 7, 1978, Pat married the love of his life, Gail Morey, in Earlville. Together they built a family grounded in love, loyalty, and laughter. Pat is survived by Gail; his son, Tony Lawrence; his daughters, Nicole (Dan) Sheehan and Rebecca Lawrence; and his cherished grandchildren, Cody, Emily, and Blake Lawrence, and Alivia and Jordyn Franklin. He is also survived by his siblings, William Lawrence, Theresa (Michael) O’Brien, and Thomas (Enza) Lawrence; his sisters‑in‑law, Cindy Morey and Marcia (Steve) Morey-Watson; several nieces and nephews; and a special aunt, Judith Lawrence.
Pat was deeply involved in youth sports and community development. He coached baseball and softball in the Sherburne Area Little League Program, served on the board, and helped lead major improvements to Paddleford Park, including field lighting, dugouts, and fencing projects and a community initiative building a new playground at the former Elementary School. He coached and umpired for more than a decade and later became a field hockey referee, always driven by his passion for supporting young people.
Calling hours will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on February 28 at Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Homes, 10 South Main Street, Sherburne, NY. The Sherburne Fire Department will conduct honors at 2:00 p.m., followed by a luncheon to celebrate Pat’s life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sherburne Fire Department, Sherburne Emergency Services, or a charity supporting Multiple Myeloma research.
Pat’s love, strength, and unwavering commitment to his family, the fire department, and the Sherburne community will be felt for generations. His legacy of service and kindness will forever live on in the lives he touched.
To leave a condolence online, or sign the book of memories, go to: www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com