H. Lawrence Spodnick

H. Lawrence Spodnick

H. Lawrence Spodnick, of Trumbull, CT passed away at the age of 95 on April 24, 2023 in his home.  Larry was born on July 14, 1927 in Bridgeport, CT to the late John G. Spodnik, a CT DMV Inspector and wife Mary Burcik Spodnik.  

Larry graduated from St. John Nepomocene's Commercial School, Bridgeport and then served in the US Army becoming a Sergeant while stationed in Panama during WWII. He then attended the Renouard Training School for Embalmers in New York City, and after graduation, he became a licensed CT Funeral Director in 1952. He founded the H. Lawrence A. Spodnick Funeral Home on Park Street in Bridgeport, and then became the owner of the T.E. Donovan Funeral Home in Shelton, and formed the Bracken-Donovan-Spodnick Funeral Home on Noble Avenue in Bridgeport. Larry took great pride as a business owner caring for and serving area families. He also developed a special relationship with the School Sisters of Notre Dame in Wilton being their funeral director for many years. He was a Boy Scout Leader, Past President of the Slovak Alliance of Greater Bridgeport, a member of the Catholic Sokols, Catholic War Veterans, a Nichols School Fair Chairman, volunteered to be St. Patrick and marched in the Greater Bpt. St. Patrick's Day Parade, and he was a lecter and reader at several area Catholic Churches.  

Lawrence was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Catherine Murphy of New Haven, who was the daughter of the late Hon. Mayor John Murphy. He is survived by two sons, T. Christopher Spodnick of Monroe, Atty. Jonathan Spodnick and girlfriend Heidi Mrusek of Trumbull; his daughter, Mrs. Kara Pansa and husband Greg Pansa of Newtown, CT. He is also survived by his grandchildren – Stephen Pansa and Jason Pansa of Newtown, Diane Spodnick and David Spodnick, of Milford, and his nephew – Atty. Mark Mininberg of New Hampshire, and multiple nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his 3 older siblings: Sr. Teresia Spodnik, SSND and Sr. Rosemary Spodnik, SSND of Bayshore, NY and the Rev. Leo Spodnik of New Britain, CT.  Larry loved his siblings and was proud of their religious life and devotion to God. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to his two loyal and dedicated caregivers, Erna Dala and Yvonne Beckford.

Larry loved going to the beach, gardening and vacationing in Falmouth Heights, Cape Cod. He was very proud of his children and family.  Larry was always willing to serve, to take time to listen, he loved conversation, story telling, and having a good laugh. He was detail oriented, clever, innovative, and above all kind hearted. In his profession and his life, he was a compassionate and patient friend to many. 

Relatives and friends are invited to visit on Sunday, April 30th  from 4 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Cyril Mullins Funeral Home, 399 White Plains Rd., Trumbull, CT. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, May 1, 2023 at 9:45 a.m. from the Cyril Mullins Funeral Home and at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Grace Church, 497 Second Hill Lane, Stratford, CT, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Msgr. Martin Ryan as Celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Bridgeport, CT. For more information, or to leave an online condolence, visit www.mullinsfh.com.

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