WILLIAMSBURG — Dr. Lawrence R. Sarmiere, 78, peacefully passed away Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at home with his family.
He was born June 29, 1943, in Passaic, N.J., and spent his formative years in Waldwick and Wayne, N.J. He graduated from De Paul High School and Seton Hall University. He then received his DDS from Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
Following dental school, he went into the U.S. Public Health Service assigned to the U.S. Coast Guard, where he served five years stationed in Cape May, N.J., and Yorktown. He left the U.S. Coast Guard with the rank of lieutenant commander.
In 1974, he opened a dental practice in Williamsburg with Dr. Gil Frey. He was respected throughout the community as a skilled and knowledgeable dentist, something in which he took great pride. In addition to his career, he continued to serve the community through active membership in the Rotary Club, through which he gained many lifelong friends.
He loved spending time at the beach with family and friends: swimming, fishing, and boating. When not at the beach, he and Jan enjoyed visiting family and friends around the United States, skiing, and exploring countries throughout Europe. In his spare time, he was an accomplished woodworker and Mr. Fix-it. He enjoyed working in the yard and helping friends and neighbors on home projects. He was also a proud dad to a number of cats during his lifetime and had a particular affinity for Maine Coons.
He was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Lewis; mother, Frances Mary; and younger brother, Jack.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Jan, married almost 56 years; brother, Patrick, and sister-in-law, Maryanne, of Indian Lake, N.Y.; son, Lawrence, and daughter-in-law, Theresa, of Raleigh; along with two grandchildren, Alexa and Ashlyn. He is also survived by his son, Andrew, of Denver, Colorado, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m., Thursday, July 15, at Nelsen Funeral Home. He will be privately interred in the Saint Bede Catholic Church Columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either The Salvation Army or Heritage Humane Society.
Share online condolences with the family at Nelsen Funeral Home.
