PITTSFIELD – Lawrence A. Dysart died peacefully June 14, 2007, surrounded by his daughter and grandchildren, at his home, 8 Easy St., Pittsfield. Lawrence was born in 1911, in Cornville, the son of Harry and Mary (O’Day) Dysart. He was a 1929 Skowhegan High graduate. He married Mabel Clough, his high school sweetheart, in 1931, and at the time of her death they had been married nearly 73 years. Lawrence started in the retail business at Woolworth’s, Machias, and was soon promoted to manager of Woolworth’s, Utica, N.Y. His leadership was successful enough to forestall even a single layoff during the Great Depression. Lawrence and Mabel moved to Pittsfield in 1935, and established L.A. Dysart’s 5 & 10 Cent Store. The business grew to a thriving department store and carried diverse wares, such as freshly-fired peanuts, linoleum, custom-cut keys, stationery and Buster Brown clothing. The store flourished until the Dysart’s retired in 1974. Lawrence was a devoted Roman Catholic. He was a very active member of Saint Agnes Parish, notably as a founding member of their Knights of Columbus chapter and as their first Eucharistic lay minister. His generosity was legendary and extended beyond his family. Many local citizens facing hard times turned to him for help. He was extremely devoted to his three children, 21 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grand-children. Caregiver, Candace Hennigan, made his final year at home comfortable. He is survived by daughter, Mary Quint and her husband, Martelle, of Pittsfield; son, Lawrence Dysart and his wife, Mary Lou, of North Reading, Mass.; son-in-law, Lucien Veilleux of Waterville; and nephew, Richard Dysart of Santa Monica, Calif. He was predeceased by his wife, Mabel; and their daughter, Nancy Veilleux. The family invites everyone to celebrate a Mass of the Resurrection 9 a.m. June 23, at St. Agnes Church, Pittsfield. The burial and reception will be immediately after at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Please, no contributions, though the family welcomes your prayers and visits.
LAWRENCE A. DYSART
