Lawton Griswold Sargent, Jr.
Lawton Griswold Sargent, Jr., 88, of North Branford, died peacefully on February 2, 2012 due to congestive heart failure. He was predeceased on June 27, 2011 by the love of his life, Audrey, his wife of sixty-two years. Lawt was the grandson of Joseph Bradford Sargent, founder of Sargent & Company and three times Mayor of New Haven. He is survived by his sons Geofrey of North Branford, Peter of Newton, MA (wife Barbara and grandchildren Lauren and Christine), and daughter Cindy Chase of Hamden (husband Tyler and grandsons Spencer and Corey). Lawt attended Phillips Andover Academy ('42) and was a proud member of Yale '45W graduating in 1949. College was interrupted by World War II. He was a fighter pilot First Lieutenant with the 8th Air Force, 356th Fighter Group. His joy of flying continued in recent years thanks to Microsoft Flight Simulator where he could travel worldwide. A successful businessman, Lawt was President and CEO of Insurance Management Inc., of New Haven, retiring in 1988. Lawt was very active in the New Haven community. His positions included: President, Quinnipiac Council, Boy Scouts of America; President, New Haven Association of Independent Insurance Agents; Campaign Chairman, United Way of Greater New Haven; President, Quinnipiack Club; President, Kiwanis Club of New Haven, President, New Haven Lawn Club; and Director, First Federal Savings and Loan Association of New Haven. Besides family, above all Lawt and Auddie treasured their twenty-seven years of half-year residence on Nantucket Island in their home 'Ponemah' surrounded by children and grandchildren as much as possible. Lawt deservedly wore the moniker of the 'Mayor of Wanoma Way' from his perch on the deck. He will be sorely missed by many friends. Gegi and Da together again. Rest in peace. We love you. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday February 25th from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at the New Haven Lawn Club, 193 Whitney Ave., New Haven, CT 06511. In lieu of flowers donations should be sent to the Employee Appreciation Committee, c/o Pat Eldredge, at Evergreen Woods, 88 Notch Hill Rd., North Branford, CT 06471. BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave., in care of the private burial.
Lawt, .my old flying buddy., I’m really going to miss you. You were a dear friend with a kind heart and a lot of fun to fly with. You will truely be missed. Geof and family, please accept my deepest sympathies. Lawt holds a special place in my heart as he probably has in yours. He was truely a special person and could never be replaced. To loose two extraordinary people in such a short period of time is not easy to accept. Lawt and Audie were people who loved family, community, Yale, and were not afraid to take on responsibilities. May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. Rest in peace, my dear freind, rest in peace.
Cindy, Peter & Jeff, I’m very sorry for your loss, your father was a great man. I will always remember his friendly hello and his keen interest in how things were going every time I saw him; and of course the trains. Your Friend Al Ridinger
We will miss him.
Dear Cindy and family, We are heartbroken at the sad news of Lawt’s passing. He was a dear friend with whom we spent many wonderful hours. We will treasure our happy memories of him always. We send you our sincerest condolences. Stanley and Joan Hollander
Peter Barb and all the Family. I am so very sorry for the loss of a true American hero. What an amazing legacy. God Bless you all Rich
Enjoyed every Friday luncheon at the New Haven Lawn Club with Lawton, who was always good company. He is missed. Sincerely, Dorsey Whitestone