Shrewsbury – Lawrence Earl Cudmore, of Shrewsbury, died Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013, surrounded by family, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. He was 77.
Born May 23, 1936 in Brockton, he was a son of the late Alfred Wallace and Evelyn Mae (Dahlen) Cudmore. He graduated from Brockton High School, where he lettered and played varsity basketball on the team that won the state championship at the former Boston Garden in1954. He was later inducted to the schools Hall of Fame. He was recruited to play basketball and study at Colby College, where he later earned his Bachelor of Arts degree.
From a friendship that formed in the third grade with Jane E. Caldwell to a courtship that tagged them high school sweethearts, they married Feb. 4, 1956 in Brockton. Jane died Dec. 1, 2011 and it brings his family such comfort knowing they are reunited.
Lawrence had a long and successful career with Sears-Roebuck Company and his work took them to various parts of the country, including Westborough, Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, Oakville, Ontario, Canada and lastly, Chicago. He served as C.E.O. and President of its Canada division and later as President of Sears Merchant Group in Chicago retiring in 1993.
The Cudmores maintained a summer home in Pocasset which always served as a place for many family vacations and gatherings. In later years, they divided their time between the Cape and Venice, Florida. With a love for the ocean and golf, they were longtime members of the Pocasset Golf Club and Waterford Country Club in Florida. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he loved all sports and followed New England sports teams faithfully. They moved to Shrewsbury in August 2011 to be closer to family.
He leaves his children, Kristina C. Callaway of Lebanon, New Hampshire, Susan L. Powell of Worcester, Andrew J. Cudmore and his wife Jennifer of Princeton, and John C. Cudmore and his wife Caroline of Winnetka, Illnois; his grandchildren, Benjamin and Sarah Callaway, Virgil, Abigail and Joshua Powell, Evan and Ella Cudmore, and Elly and Jack Cudmore; his brother, Thomas Cudmore and his wife Diane of Yarmouthport; and nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife of 55 years, Jane, he is predeceased by his brother, Donald Cudmore.
Family and friends will honor and remember Larry's life by gathering at The Pocasset Golf Club, 24 Clubhouse Dr., Pocasset, Wednesday, Oct. 30, where his memorial service will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. The Rev. Kenneth Bean will officiate. A reception will follow. Interment will be private.
To honor Larry's memory and struggle with Alzheimer's, please consider a contribution to Alzheimer's Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472.
