With sadness, we announce the passing of Donald Laurence, 88, in Palm City, Florida on Sunday, July 5, 2026 in the comfort of his home.

Born to the late Doris M. Mundell and N. John Laurence on July 31, 1937 in Bellows Falls, Vermont. Don grew up in Saxtons River,

Vermont and Amherst and Milford, New Hampshire. He graduated from Milford High School, Class of 1955 and the University of New Hampshire. He did graduate work at Antioch College and the State University of New York at New Paltz. He taught science at Canandaigua, NY Academy for 25 years where he was Science Department Chair. In 1985, he married the love of his life, Judi Miller. After relocating to Putnam Valley, New York, he continued teaching science in Newburgh before retiring in 1996. In 2012, he and Judi moved to Palm City, Florida.

His love of music and theater was expressed in his many years as a vocalist in the Finger Lakes Chorale in Canandaigua and the many leads he played in productions at the Bristol Valley Theatre in Naples, NY. He was active in and served as President of the Putnam Valley, NY Rotary and served as the Putnam Valley Democratic Committee chair. An active community member and church member every place he lived, he was recognized for his community service by both the Putnam Valley Rotary and the Putnam Valley Library. He was the official keeper of the family houseplants and was an enthusiastic gardener, often sharing his harvest with neighbors and friends. An avid reader, he could often be found immersed in a history or sports book. Through all the ups and downs, he never gave up on the Mets.

Don was predeceased by his parents, his son, Aaron, grandson, Grant Hairr, his sister and brother-in-law Barbara and Victor Parry and his step-father, Russell S. Homer. He is survived by his loving wife, Judi, daughters Donna Scarcella (Stacey) and Melinda Laurence, brother James Lawrence, daughter-in law, Denise Laurence, grandchildren, Joshua Hairr (Allyssa), Rachel Hairr, Taylor and Elizabeth Laurence, and great-grandchildren Lily Knowles and Noah and Abigail Hairr and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will take place at Stuart, FL Congregational Church on August 22 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be made in his memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or a no kill pet rescue of your choice. Anyone wishing to send a message to the family can do so here on Don’s memorial page.