Lawrence C. Church Obituary

Lawrence Clifford Church, 82 otherwise known as "Grumpy" passed away peacefully on September 13, 2024 surrounded by his loving family after his courageous fight with cancer.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 7, 1942, and shortly after lovingly adopted by his aunt, Ann and uncle, Everett Church. He grew up in Wayne, New Jersey, where he had a happy childhood living in the country playing among the clover flower fields. He would share his greatest memories of playing ball, racing his pram and always sneaking a peek at Christmas. Larry later graduated high school and completed his college education all the while rooting for the Phillies! With his degree in history, he became a teacher in the New Jersey School system. About four years later, he went on to work in traveling sales of specialty medical equipment. Soon excelling into regional manager of northeast and Canadian territories. Shortly after he relocated to Magnolia in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Here he proudly established his family on Lake Road. He could often be seen by neighbors talking on his portable phone shining his corvette in the driveway. Shortly after career plans changed it led the family to then land on Dennison Street. In 1984, he successfully opened The Portside Chowder House on Doyle's Cove Road in Rockport, MA.

Larry spent most of his adult career as proud owner and operator of The Portside Chowder House feeding numerous celebrities over the years. He ran his business with pride and was soon able to expand his business into the old "Hannah Jumper" building on Tuna Wharf. This is where he taught his family the meanings of hard work, dedication and integrity. This new larger space quickly filled with lots of children, grandchildren, happy memories and family gatherings. Christmas was always his favorite holiday, spending it among family decorating and cooking with love. Larry spent more than 40 years on Bearskin Neck making friends that became family. He would often be seen strolling the neck and chatting it up with the locals.

Larry will be fondly remembered for his kind gentle soul and his ability to love unconditionally. We will forever miss his laugh and smile.

Larry is survived by his children, Bryan and Jessica Church, Rebecca and Paul Favazza, Brittany and Derrick Kittler, Alex Church, Grant Church, Hayden Church; his grandchildren, Jonathan Church and wife Mia, Kaleb Church, Taylor and husband Tyler Sanborn, Austin Church, Kolby Kittler, Keirin Kittler, Kali Kittler and Jenna Church; lastly, he is survived most recently by his great-grandson, Frank Philip Church, son of John and Mia and all of his many friends out in Western Massachusetts.

In keeping with Larry's wishes services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701.

Arrangements by Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA 01930.

American Cancer Society30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701Donate to CharityKeep Lawrence's legacy alive by donating to a charity in need.