Lawrence E. West Jr.

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Lawrence E. West Jr., 74, a retired school teacher and coach for 28 years, died Saturday, December 6, 2014 at home with his family by his side.

Born in Providence, a son of the late Lawrence E. and Dorothy (Wyman) West, he had been a resident of Warwick for 60 years before moving to Narragansett. He was a former Marine Reserve and received the Leather Neck Award. A Physical Education instructor at Warwick Veterans Memorial High School he began his coaching career in 1964. Larry was a renowned wrestling coach, and his team won several state and New England titles. He was the first to coach any Warwick High School team to a New England Title and was inducted into the New England Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1996. He also coached football, tennis and track. Larry was an avid shell fisherman for over 25 years, and master clam baker. He taught his children about perseverance, hard work, and the value of a dollar. His eyes sparkled just like Santa and he will be remembered for his storytelling.

He leaves behind his former wife and mother of his eight children, Dolores Ellen Wilcox West. He loved his children Dawn, Heidi, Larry, Heather, Holly, Jonathan, Daniel, and Gretchen. He was a brother of William West and Sandra Allinson. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours Wednesday, December 10, 2014 from 4-7 p.m. in the Thomas & Walter Quinn Funeral Home, 2435 Warwick Avenue, Warwick. His graveside service will be private. Memorial contributions can be made in Larry’s name to the Home & Hospice Care of RI, 1085 N. Main St., Providence, RI 02904. Online condolences and information, kindly visit www.QuinnFuneralHome.com