Lawrence Barton Damon, Jr.

Lawrence Barton Damon, Jr., of West Harwich and Needham, known to all as “Renny,” passed away peacefully on April 25, 2025, at Harbor Point Centerville, Cape Cod.  He was surrounded by family in the presence of compassionate Harbor Point staff and Hospice angels who lovingly cared for him during the final seven months of his long journey with memory impairment.
Born on June 8, 1940, in Boston to Lawrence and Elisabeth Damon, Renny lived a life guided by faith, gratitude, and unshakable optimism. A “cup half full” person to his core, he believed there was something interesting to discover about everyone he met. His curiosity and gentle spirit made him a welcome presence in every room.
Renny grew up in the historic Webster Farm neighborhood of Chestnut Hill (Newton), where he was an active youth member at the Church of the Redeemer. He attended Chestnut Hill School and Noble and Greenough School, then earned his B.S. in Business Administration from Babson College in 1962.  He later went on to earn a Master of Education degree in 1972 at Boston University.
Following college, Renny served in the U.S. Navy for two years in the Pacific as Quartermaster aboard a troop carrier.  Not long after, on a snowy December evening, he took Dottie on their first date to hear Handel & Haydn’s annual performance of Messiah at Symphony Hall. That magical night sparked a lifelong partnership, which included nearly six decades of enjoying classical music together.
Though he began his professional life in the insurance business at Storer, Damon & Lund, Renny soon followed a deeper calling to education.   He held teaching positions at Meadowbrook School in Weston, The Carroll School in Lincoln (specializing in Dyslexia), and Dexter School in Brookline.   For eighteen summers Renny was Director of the Meadowbrook Day Camp in Weston.  
In 1987 Renny and Dottie saw an opportunity to work in their community together; they purchased and continued operation of a full-service copy & printing business in Wellesley.  They attended to community printing needs with dedication until retirement in 2006.  While raising their four children in Wellesley, Renny and Dottie were very active in Wellesley Congregational (Village) Church, serving in many capacities.
Sailing was a lifelong passion for Renny, beginning with childhood summers on Herring River in West Harwich; he skippered the family Wianno Senior,” West Wind”, in regattas, crewed for friends in several Bermuda races, and once cruised the Chilean coast for nearly a month on a family-owned sailboat.   He found joy, freedom, and camaraderie on the water.   On any summer day, for over 50 years, he would regularly be seen at the helm of his beloved Marshall 22’ green-hulled catboat, “Solution”, most often somewhere between Bass River and Chatham, always happiest with family and friends aboard.  A proud moment occurred in 1962 when the Babson College sailing team, of which Renny was a member, won the prestigious MacMillan Cup, a remarkable collegiate accomplishment for sailors from a small landlocked school.  
Even in the face of illness, especially during this past year, Renny’s spirit never wavered. He continued to embody gratitude, hope, and faith in the goodness of life.
Renny is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Dorothy M. Damon, and their three sons: Lawrence B. (Nat) Damon III and husband Ricardo Torres; James G. Damon and wife Jenny, with daughters Darcy, Janie, and Katie; and Thomas M. Damon and wife Amy, with daughters Elizabeth and Macy. He was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Dorothy L.  (“Lin”) Damon, in April 2020.  He also leaves two brothers, John L. Damon and Peter T. Damon, and nieces Molly, Hallie, Lydia, and nephew Ben, and their families.
A private interment will take place at a later date at Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellesley, where Renny will be reunited with Lin.
A memorial service celebrating Renny’s life is planned for Wednesday, July 2, at 11:00 a.m. at Dennis Union Church (Route 6A at Old Bass River Road, Dennis, MA).  Immediately following the service, a reception will be held to which all will be welcome.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the Harwich Conservation Trust (P.O. Box 101, South Harwich, MA 02661) or to a charity of your choice.