Staff

Edward (Jed) Lawrence
Funeral Director

Edward G. Lawrence, Jr. (known as Jed to everyone), a life long resident of Darien, graduated from Darien High School, Class of 1968. He played football and baseball while at Darien High. After graduating from high school, Jed continued his education at Susquehanna University, Class of 1972. While at Susquehanna, Jed played baseball all four years.

In 1972, Jed enrolled at the American Academy of McAllister Institute in New York City for Mortuary Science. After graduating from McAllister Institute, he joined the family business in the fall of 1973. Jed worked with his Dad until his untimely death in October, 1984. Jed is the fourth generation of Lawrence’s to own the family business.

Jed is an elder and member of the Noroton Presbyterian Church, Kiwanis Club of Darien, Darien Chamber of Commerce, Noroton Fire Department and was a member of the Charter Revision Commission in 1997-1999 and is currently serving on the Charter Revision Commission for 2007-2008. Jed was active with the adult committee of Darien Young Life. He is past president and treasurer of the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association, a member of the National Funeral Director Association, and a member of the Selected Independent Funeral Homes. The Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice also awarded Jed the designation of Certified Funeral Service Practitioner in 1997.

Jed, just like his Dad who was one of four original managers for the Darien Little League, managed a Darien Little League team for four years, a 16 to 18 Senior Babe Ruth team for four years, and was a former long time coach for the Darien Junior Football League.

Jed lives in Darien with his wife, Debbie. He has two children, Sarah, a graduate of Gettysburg College, who is now living in Darien and working in New York and Kyle who is a graduate of Gettysburg College and now living and working in New York City.

Craig Ackerman

Craig D. Ackerman, a resident of Norwalk, graduated from Norwalk High School, Class of 1993. Craig participated on the wrestling, swimming and cross-country teams while at Norwalk High. After graduating from high school, Craig worked at various jobs until 1997 when he enrolled at the American Academy of McAllister Institute in New York City for Mortuary Science. He graduated magna cum laude in his class. He was also awarded the Mu Sigma Alpha by the Scholastic Honor Society. After graduating from McAllister's, Craig worked for a funeral home in Greenwich, CT before joining the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home in August 2000 as a Funeral Director/Embalmer.

Craig lives in Norwalk with his wife Donna and daughter, Dylan. Craig enjoys sports of all kinds but especially enjoys watching the World Wrestling Entertainment shows.

Shayna M. Gilbert

Shayna M. Gilbert

Funeral Director/Embalmer

Shayna M. Gilbert a resident of Darien, graduated from Lafayette High School in Williamsburg, VA, class of 1997. Shayna ran on the track team while attending Great Bridge High School in Chesapeake, VA. After graduating from High School, Shayna attended the University of Tennessee for two and half years, transferring to the American Academy McAllister Institute in New York City for Mortuary Science in 2006. She graduated cum laude in her class. She was also awarded by the school’s faculty as being the student who best typifies the highest ideals of the funeral profession. After graduating from McAllister’s, Shayna completed her apprenticeship at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, where she is currently working as a Funeral Director/Embalmer.

Shayna enjoys traveling, the beach, reading, baseball and football, especially the Tennessee Volunteers.

Jim Murphy
Funeral Director/Embalmer

Coming soon ...

Sandra Volin

Sandra Volin was born in Stamford and moved to Darien in 1963 with her parents. She attended Darien schools and graduated from Darien High School, Class of 1971. She attended Northampton Junior College and graduated with an A.S. Degree, Class of 1973. Before joining the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, Sandra worked as an Administrator and Financial Assistant for a fraternity headquarters. She joined the Lawrence Funeral Home in June of 1998 as secretary. Sandra is an active member of the Noroton Presbyterian Church. She lives in Darien with her two sons, Shaun and Daniel. In her spare time, she enjoys crafts and reading.

Cliff DeForest

Clifford W. DeForest was born in the Norwalk Hospital on September 28, 1930. He was a New Canaan resident and graduated from New Canaan High School in 1948. He served as a special officer with the New Canaan Police Department before moving to Darien in 1951.

He was appointed to the Darien Police Department on January 1st, 1953 as a patrolman. In July 1964 he was promoted to Sergeant. While with the department, he served as a patrol officer, desk & street Sergeant, youth officer, training and court liaison officer. In the early 70's was assigned as a Sergeant in the Detective Bureau until he retired on June 15th, 1979, completing 26½ years of service with the department.

He was actively affiliated with many police and fraternal organizations. He is a life member of the Darien Police Association, Police Association of Connecticut, Fairfield County Detectives Conference, Ivanhoe Lodge #107 AF & AM, Past President (life member) Police Square Club of Connecticut, and Stamford Elks #899.

While with the Police Department, in June 1954, Cliff started as a pallbearer/driver for the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home. Now working for the 3rd generation of Lawrence's (Jed now) has continued as a part time employee for the past 54 years. Cliff is not a licensed funeral director.

He lives in Darien, has a son, Richard of Darien, daughters Robyn of Souderton, PA and Marcia of Pine Island, FL. He loves to travel, enjoys sports of all types but is an avid golfer.

Pat Rogers

Coming soon ...

Robert (Bob) Thompson
Funeral Director

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