Lamonte Howard Lawrence

As President/CEO of Lawrence Semiconductor Research Laboratory, Inc., Monte was known globally as an innovator and entrepreneur. He attended Arizona State University and received a degree in physics. His career began as an engineer with Phoenix-based Motorola Semiconductor Products Sector, which brought him into epitaxial research, an area of materials science that has had profound effects on the semiconductor industry. His professional career was spent contributing to the advancement of the entire industry, one that now shapes much of the local and national economy. He developed his own ideas about how various aspects of the process could be improved and later founded his own research firm, Lawrence Semiconductor Research Laboratory, Inc. During his career, he also initiated a relationship with his alma mater that has led to significant support for students and faculty of ASU’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences as well as ASU’s emergence as an international leader in epitaxial growth.

Monte poured his heart and soul into his business. He fully enjoyed his career and the many circles of loyal friends and associates he met over the years. Everyone who worked with Monte admired his leadership and the impact he made on their personal careers in the industry. Monte’s antics were legendary and those who knew him have their own stories to tell. He simply wanted to brighten lives in his days and that he surely did.

Career highlights include: (18) years at Phoenix-based Motorola; Founder of U.S. Semiconductor Services, Inc. (1983); Founder of Lawrence Semiconductor Laboratories, Inc. (1987); Founder of Lawrence Semiconductor Research Laboratory, Inc. (1992); Sematech Process Development Program: Selective Epitaxial Growth (1993); Lawrence Semiconductor Investments (1996); Founder of Lawrence Photoelectronic Laboratory, Inc. (1997); Co-Founder of Clean Film, Inc. (1997); Avansys, LLP (2001); President/CEO of Lawrence Advanced Semiconductor Technologies, LLC (2009).

Among his numerous recognitions over the years, noteworthy life achievements include:

• Endowed Lawrence Chair of Solid State Science (1996) & Lawrence Professor of Science of Engineering (1999) at Arizona State University.

• Sale of Lawrence Semiconductor Laboratories to ATMI (1997)

• Distinguished Achievement Award, Arizona State University (1999)

• Doctor of Science, honoris causa, Arizona State University (2000)

Anyone who knew Monte, knew that his wife, Ginny was the love of his life. Together, they devoted their life to philanthropic causes that enriched the lives of so many. Monte loved his entire family and shared the same love with his community of friends, professionals, and acquaintances spanning across the globe.

He was a lifelong sports fan and would proudly wear his team hat and jersey while watching the games. His favorite teams were the Golden State Warriors, San Francisco Giants, San Francisco 49er’s, San Jose Sharks and ASU Sun Devils.

Monte is survived by his loving wife, Ginny and their two children Samuel and Sara. His children from a previous marriage - Todd, Melinda and Heather; his sister, Lois Decker;

(10) Grandchildren; (4) Great Grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents Howard and Helen.

Monte will be missed dearly by family, friends, and the many colleagues he worked with during his remarkable career. He will be remembered as a compassionate man who touched many lives by his selfless acts of kindness and generosity.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the devoted Care Givers and Nurses who were Monte’s “Guardian Angels.”

“Monte made the world – and the lives of all who knew him – better for being in it.” Thank you Monte for being you. You will live in our hearts forever. Rest in Peace.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Congregation Rodef Sholom for their new Sacred Space Synagogue building (sacredspace.rodefsholom.org) and By the Bay Health/Beyond Hospice – Lights of Remembrance (bythebayhealth.org)

A Celebration of Life is being planned by the family to be announced when confirmed.