Former New City Fire Chief Lawrence A. Willows Sr. Dies At Age 85

Former New City Fire Department Chief Lawrence A. Willows Sr., who was a volunteer firefighter for more that 50 years, died Monday, Jan. 9, 2012. He was 85.

Mr. Willows was born and raised in White Plains, NY. He served in the Navy aboard the USS Cabot in the Pacific during World War II, receiving several commendations.

He moved to New City in 1957, raising his family of 6 children with his wife Doris. He served his community for more than 52 years as a member of the New City Fire Engine Co. No. 1, including serving as chief in 1972-73 and serving as a fire commissioner for many years.

Mr. Willows worked at Con Edison for more than 36 years before retiring and moving to St. Petersburg, FL, with his wife, where they spent more than 25 happy years among friends in the winter, returning to Rockland in the summers to be among their large family.

Mr. Willows loved playing softball, which he did for many years in his retirement. As a Kids and Kubs player he was inducted into the Softball Hall of Fame in Texas. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Doris; and his six children, son, Lawrence (Skip) Willows and wife Linda, son, Robert Willows, daughter, Ginny Wolfe and husband Tom, son, William Willows and wife Victoria, daughter, Margaret McSharar and husband John, and son, Rich Willows and wife Linda. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 4 grandchildren-in-law and 6 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Willows will be remembered by all who knew him for his kind nature, devotion to serving his community, his sense of humor and love of his family.

Viewing will be at , New City today, Wednesday, Jan. 11, and Thursday, Jan. 12 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, Jan. 13, 10 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church in West Nyack.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to New City Fire Dept., 15 Maple Ave., New City, NY