Philip F. Laverriere Sr., 90, of Lawrence, MA, passed away peacefully at his home Friday, July 22, 2016 ending his long battle with Alzheimers disease. 

Phil was born in Lawrence, MA, on Sept. 29, 1925, the son of Frank and Alice (Parent) Laverriere. He attended Lawrence schools and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After the war, he continued his education, receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Boston University and Master Degrees from both Boston State College and Salem State College.
Phil was employed by the Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, Inc., starting out as the program director of the Greater Lawrence Neighborhood Youth Corps in 1966 and becoming the Executive Director/CEO of the Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, Inc. in 1974, a position he held for 37 years before he resigned at the age of 84. Under his direction the agency grew many times over, operating 45 programs with a staff of 300 employees. His work was the biggest part of his life and before his failing eyesight limited his driving to daytime, he was out almost every night and weekend attending some function or event representing the GLCAC.

Phil dedicated his life to community service. His volunteer activities covered a broad spectrum of interests including, but certainly not limited to, past president of the following organizations: Holy Family Men’s Guild, the Men of Merrimack College, Greater Lawrence Community Boating Program and the Lawrence Boys and Girls Club. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Greater Lawrence Mental Health Center, the Workforce Investment Board, the Greater Lawrence Adult Basic Education Advisory Council. He also served as former chairman of the Methuen School Committee, the Heart Fund Drive, March of Dimes, CAMPS (Cooperative Area Manpower Planning System) and the Greater Lawrence Drug Education Council.

As recognition for all his volunteer community service, he was honored many times over throughout his life by organizations, to name a few, The Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Ralph B. Wilkinson Good Citizenship Award, The Exchange Club’s Golden Book of Deeds, Semana Hispana of Lawrence, Holy Family Hospital Men’s Guild, Elderly Tenant’s Council, Commonwealth of Mass. Dept. of Mental Health, Yankee Clipper Council Boy Scouts of America, State Senate, and Immigrant City Archives and many more.
Phil’s personal interests included playing his guitar and singing country and western (Yodeling Phil and His Hidden Valley Boys), swimming and diving (captain of the Boston University Diving Team), racquetball and keeping himself physically fit. His favorite hobby was collecting antique postcards amassing an incredible collection of Merrimack Valley and Canobie Lake Park cards. He also enjoyed sharing time and a good cigar with some of his closest friends.

Family members include present wife Michelle (Dudek) Laverriere of Lawrence, two sons, Philip Laverriere Jr. of Ossipee, N.H., Toby Laverriere of Lawrence, four daughters, Maureen Laplume and husband Gerard, of Salem, N.H., Fran Landry and husband Paul of Sandown, N.H., Patricia Rodewald and husband Michael of North Andover and Rebecca Laverriere of Warwick, R.I. He leaves four stepsons, Michael Pistorio and wife Lisa of Baltimore, MD, Stephen Pistorio of Lawrence, Marc Pappalardo of Lawrence and Eric Pappalardo of Lawrence. He also leaves 10 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, brother, George Laverriere, sister, Marion Leriche of Salem, N.H., and many nieces and nephews.

Per Phil’s request, there is no wake or calling hours. Crematory arrangements are under the direction of Charles F. Dewhirst Family Funeral and Cremation Care. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to a Celebration of Life Mass officiated by Fr. Chris Casey at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, St. Augustine Chapel, 128 Ames St., Lawrence, MA on Saturday, July 30, 2016 at 9 a.m. To leave expressions of condolences, go to www.dewhirstfuneral.com

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