Donald Lawatsch

Donald J. Lawatsch, 79, of Norwich, passed away on Thursday, April 3, 2014 at Wilson Regional Memorial Center in Johnson City.

Born in Kingston, NY, on August 25, 1934, Donald was he son of Oscar J. Lawatsch and Margaret Lawatsch, each of whom predeceased him. Donald graduated from Kingston High School with the Class of 1951, and Cornell University with a degree in Agriculture in 1955. He also earned an MBA from Iona College. Donald retired after many years of service in the Agriculture Chemical Division of American Hoescht in Somerville, NJ.

Donald was married to Carolyn A. (Talleur) Lawatsch, of Pompano Beach, FL, who survives. He is also survived by his son, Robert T. Lawatsch, and his wife, Janet, of Braintree, MA; daughter, Jorrie A. Hoerle, and her husband, David, of Eastham, MA; daughter, Trina O’Connor, and her husband, Jim, of Carmel, NY; stepchildren Robert Ryan and Louann Linepensel, from his marriage to Marlene Lawatsch, who predeceased him; seven grandchildren, Carlyn, Allison, Hilary, Eliot, Kasi, Danielle and James; one great-grandchild; and several step-grandchildren. Donald is also survived by his sister, Margaret Alonzo, and her husband, Dom, of Clifton Park, NY; godson, Chris Jupin, and his wife, Alyse, and their family, of Rexford, NY; niece, Stephanie Darwak, and her husband, Frank, and their family, of Stillwater, NY; and uncle and aunt, Frank and Jesse Lawatsch, of Nazareth, PA.

Donald enjoyed many hobbies and outdoor activities throughout his life, especially camping, hiking, hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed music, and played the French horn in his high school band. Donald was also an accomplished cook, and put together an impressive cook book of his favorite family recipes for the enjoyment of his children and grandchildren. Donald was also an active member of the First Baptist Church of Norwich.
A memorial service for Donald will take place at a later date during the summer.

A memorial service for Donald will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2014 at the First Baptist Church of Norwich. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Due to his love of animals, especially his beloved German Shepherd, Chloe, contributions in Donald’s memory may be made to Friends of Animals, 777 Post Road, Suite 205, Darien, CT, 06820. Contributions may also be made in Donald’s memory to the First Baptist Church of Norwich, 10 West Park Place, Norwich, NY 13815.