Francis Joseph Lawrence

Francis “Frank” J. Lawrence, 87, of Bowie, MD, passed away on August 20, 2023, after a brief illness. Born in Hazleton, PA, he was the son of the late Frank J.  Lawrence and Veronica Yackshaw Lawrence. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Judith M. (Gooding) Lawrence, his daughter Laurie (James) Herberich, and three adult grandchildren—Jeremy, Claire, and Eric. 

A West Hazleton High School graduate, Frank served proudly in the United States Marine Corps from 1954-1957. After receiving his BS in aerospace engineering from The Pennsylvania State University, Frank joined the fledging space program at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in the tracking and data center. As part of NASA’s Delta Expendable Rocket group, Frank supported over 200 successful launches in his 40-year career in the aerospace industry. After retirement from NASA, Frank continued in the aerospace sector as a Launch Vehicle Systems Manager for Boeing and QSS Group. Frank was a lifelong sports fan who loved cheering on his local DC and Baltimore teams. A longtime parishioner at Ascension Catholic Church, in retirement he enjoyed golf, tennis, pool, music, and Sudoku. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Ascension Catholic Church, date to be determined. Interment will be private.