On Sunday evening, I was both shocked and saddened when informed of the passing of Skip Lawrence. Of course, I got to know Skip through his work as a reporter and columnist for The Phoenix. in time, I realized that Skip was more than just a writer for a local newspaper.
I considered him a friend. Both of us got involved with politics back in the days of JFK. We would often trade old war stories with each other about the many elections events that we both had experienced.
I found Skip to be genuinely concerned about the community of Phoenixville. He reveled in the many amazing things that were happening in our town and the grater Phoenixville area. he didn’t just write about these happenings, he became part of the effort to make Phoenixville a better place to live.
He was a person of great intellect. he was a listener who always allowed you to have your say, even though he may have disagreed with you. This ability to listen was reflected in his many columns that appeared in our local paper.
Most of all, I will remember him as a loving, compassionate individual. he loved his family and especially the grandkids. He loved his fellow workers at the paper, his community and his country.
I share with the community the deep sense of loss and express my sincere condolences to his many friends and family.

Leo J. Scoda
Mayor, Borough of Phoenixville