Laurence A. Lowry

Laurence Alan Lowry August 7, 1940 – August 5, 2024 Laurence (Larry) Alan Lowry, aged 83, left for the great smoke show from his home in Springvale, ME, on August 5, 2024. Larry was born in Melrose, MA, to Laurence (Bud) and Lucille (McGinn) Lowry. In 1952, his family moved to Hamilton, MA. Larry participated in many clubs at Hamilton High School, working on the yearbook while playing baseball and basketball. He graduated in 1958, testing in the top 1% in mathematics of high school graduates in the US. He graduated from Salem State College in 1962 with a BA in English and was recruited and went to work in the insurance industry. He married Catherine (Forry) Lowry in 1965. He served in the 187th Separate Infantry Brigade in the Army Reserve at Camp Drum during the Vietnam War. A pivotal experience in his life, Larry and Cathy traveled to Bethel, NY, for The Woodstock Music and Art Fair. Coincidentally, the last CD found in his player was Jimi Hendrix’s “Are You Experienced?” In the 1970s, Larry shifted careers to become a tutor and counselor at the Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) in Lynn, MA, assisting clients to attain their GEDs and guiding them to other career and academic opportunities. He later worked for many years as a Financial Aid Counselor at North Shore Community College and Salem State College. He married his second wife Jorine (Van Stigt Ruiz) Lowry in August of 2002. The couple resided in Sanford and Springvale, ME. Larry took early retirement and for several years worked for Lodging Econometrics. He also worked as a part-time career counselor in Sanford. A tireless advocate, Larry spoke before the Maine State Board of Education to end the algebra requirement for those pursuing careers such as cosmetology. Among his many interests, Larry was an enthusiastic grandparent, a lover of music, an inveterate reader, a passionate Boston sports fan, and an avid birdwatcher who catalogued viewing more than 475 species in the United States, Costa Rica, and Panama. Larry is predeceased by his second wife, Jorine, and one brother, Ross Lowry of Bangor, ME. He is survived by his two sons, Evan Lowry and his wife, Lindsay, of Phoenix, AZ, Derek Lowry and his wife Jennifer (Jen Darsney) Lowry of Ipswich, MA, stepchildren Nicholas (Nick) Ruiz, Simone Ruiz and her husband, Jack Forbes, all of Gardnerville, NV. He also leaves his brother Dale Lowry of Essex, MA, sister Angela (Lowry) Bricker, Ph.D. of Wyncote, PA, brother John Lowry, D.O. of Beverly, MA and first wife Cat Lowry of Middleton, MA. In addition, he leaves seven grandchildren: Maxwell Kurzawski, Eimhin Lowry Seemeyer, Keane Lowry, Cooper Lowry, Dylan Lowry, Mason Bornt, and Lilah Bornt. A celebration of life will be held at the St. Lawrence Literary Club, 14 Fairview Ave., Ipswich, MA, on August 31 from 4 - 8 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the New England - American Birding Association at https://aba.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donate in his name.