It is with great sadness, the family of Laurence Heselton announces his passing on April 20, 2018 in Tampa, Fl., at the age of 82 years.
Laurence (Pop Pop) will be forever and lovingly remembered by his family and friends. He is survived by his brother Donald G. (Trudy) Heselton; children, Tina Heselton, Tammie Heselton, Stacy Heselton, Daniel (Debbie) Heselton and Kimberly (Tom) Nicholson. He will also be fondly remembered by his six grandchildren, Collin, Carey (Brian), Michael (Susie) Dalas, Carson and Kyler, along with six great-grandchildren, Victor, Destiny, Brianna, Bryson, Rhylan and another soon to be great-grandchild; niece Susan; nephew Steven and other extended family. Laurence was preceded in death by his loving wife of 54 years Elizabeth B. Brown Heselton; children, John, Joseph and Mary.
Laurence was born March 30, 1936 in Bellows Falls, VT to the late Carroll H. Heselton of Cavendish, VT and the late Ruth B. (Wrightman) Heselton of Walpole, NH. The family resided in Drewsville, NH.
Laurence graduated from Brewster Vocational High School in 1955. Also this same year, Laurence, began his lifelong career in the United States Air Force. He retired after serving over 21 years. He ended his military career as a MSGT, specializing as an aircraft maintenance technician. While in service, Laurence received multiple promotions and service recognitions. During his tenure ship, Laurence served many tours of duty, including Texas, Philippines, Georgia, Vietnam and ultimately retiring from MacDill AFB in Tampa, Fl.
Laurence went onto obtaining his certification in A/C and refrigeration. He began working for the Pinellas County School System and finished with over 20 years at the University of South Florida.
Laurence was a proud member of the American Legion Post 139 and involved with multiple organizations such as MDA-USA, Special Olympics, NRA, to name a few. He was also a proud Republican.
It is difficult for us all not to be deeply saddened by his sudden departure of this life. We all of course miss him today more than ever and we all are carrying a heavy heart. We just need to remember what a blessing he was to all of us and should always remember and celebrate just that. We were lucky to know him, love him and to have him as a Friend, Father and Grandfather.
A celebration of Laurence’s life will be held at 1pm on Saturday May 5th at Blount and Curry Funeral Home Located at 605 S. MacDill Ave Tampa, Fl. The Family requests, in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in Laurence’s name to the Gary Sinise Foundation P.O. Box 50008 Studio City, CA 91614-5001 or GarySinisefoundation.org
