Lawrence Cecchini

Mr. Lawrence Cecchini, age 100, of Lawrence Cecchini Road, Elberton, husband of 69 years to Dorothy Bridges Cecchini, finished his course in faith on Monday, December 23, 2019, at Elbert Memorial Hospital.

Lawrence Cecchini was born on September 14, 1919, in Barre, Vermont. He, along with his family, moved to Elberton in 1932-’33. He graduated from Elberton High School in 1938 and worked on his family farm and in the granite industry until he entered the service. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from October 16, 1941, until October 2, 1945. He was a Technical Sergeant in the 8th Air Force in the European Theater of Operations during World War II.

Upon returning to Elberton, he worked in the granite industry achieving journeyman stone cutter certification. He worked for Oglesby Granite Company and Allen Granite Company where he was sales manager until his retirement. Post retirement, he worked part time for Boyd Granite Company.

On June 10, 1950, he married the former Dorothy Bridges. They had three children: Charles, Lauren Grant, and Pat Moon. Lawrence was a longtime member of the Elberton First United Methodist Church and the Manning Co-Ed Sunday school Class where he served as president and in other capacities. He was very active in the church having served on the administrative board, as usher, and as financial steward. He also worked on volunteer projects for the church.

He was an avid hunter, fisherman, gardener and farmer, raising cows and chickens. He was very involved with forestry management on the family farm and received the Georgia Forestry Stewardship Award on June 4, 2007. Lawrence was especially active in wildlife conservation and was a charter member of the Elberton Wildlife Association where he served as president and in other official capacities. He was a lifelong member of the National Rifle Association and a former Elbert County Commissioner serving from 1975 to 1978. He was a member of VFW Post 5456.

He is survived by his wife, Dot, of 69 years; his son, Charles; daughter, Pat Moon; grandsons: Carson and Colton Moon and Scott Grant; granddaughters: Abbie Adams, Madeline Adams, Julie Grant, and Amelia Moon; great-grandson, Bridges Perry; and great-granddaughter, Piper Perry.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Guglielma Aldrighetti Cecchini; daughter, Lauren Grant; brothers: Victor and Richard; and sisters: Victoria “Vi” Giannoni, Stella King, and Aldine McLeod.

Funeral services celebrating his life will be held on Sunday, December 29, at 3 o’clock at the Elberton First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Jim McCollough officiating. Interment will follow in Elmhurst Cemetery with Carson Moon, Colton Moon, Scott Grant, Nick Fortson, Stuart Bridges, and David Giannoni honored as pallbearers. Nephews will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The family is at the residence and will receive friends at the Elberton First United Methodist Church from 1:30-2:30p.m. on Sunday prior to the service.

Flowers are optional and memorial gifts may be given to the Elberton First United Methodist Church Building and Organ Fund.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mr. Lawrence Cecchini.