R. Lawrence C. McNutt, 77 of Newark passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, November 4, 2024 surrounded by his family.

Lawrence was born in Wilmington, the son of the late Brenda C. (Sullivan) and Refton R. McNutt. He  was the middle child of seven.

On July 29, 1963, at the age of 16, Lawrence was critically injured in a diving accident while with friends near Hoopes Bridge in Newark. He defied all odds and survived even though it was thought that he wouldn't live through the first night. He was paralyzed from the neck down for five months, and again, defying the odds eventually regained almost all his movement. His recovery was so miraculous that he was written about in medical papers.

Lawrence went on to graduate from John Dickinson High School and after graduating worked for his father in the family plumbing business, R. R. McNutt & Sons. When his father passed away in 1973, Lawrence became the youngest mechanical contractor in the state  and eventually ran the family business  as McNutt Plumbing and Heating until retiring from fieldwork in 1998. He then went to work for A. Ralph Woodrow Plumbing in their office until he retired in 2017.

Lawrence was a people person, aptly described by a middle school teacher as the "friend of the friendless". He was also a gifted storyteller who was very quick witted and really enjoyed telling stories from his youth. His quick wit cannot be understated; he made his family laugh up until his passing.

Lawrence was a sports fan rooting for the Phillies and the Eagles. He spent almost a decade coaching his daughter Judy and sister Kelly's softball teams while also coaching a tournament travel team. He coached his tournament team to the Nationals in Tifton, Georgia which was his crowning achievement. Lawrence would often reminisce on these fun times.

In addition to his parents, Lawrence was predeceased by his son Lawrence "LT" McNutt, II in 2011; his wife, Judy (Liles) McNutt in 2020; his brothers, Martin and Michael, his sister, Eleanor Morris, his sister-in-law, Marcia McNutt, and his brothers-in-law, Joseph Deluca and Howard Stike.

Lawrence will be dearly missed by his daughter, Judy D. McNutt; his grandchildren, Brittany Hanks, Cynthia Heacock, Graham Heacock and Morgan and Lawrence C. McNutt, III; his great-grandchildren, Lily, Aly, Mason, and Grace; his sisters, Brenda Stike, Mary Pat DeLuca and Kelly Anne Donahue (Philip), his cousin Pete Lenhoff, Sr., and numerous nieces and nephews.

Finally, the family would extend their utmost gratitude to Lawrence's caregiver and companion, Jin Yoon. Without Jin, Lawrence would not have been able to enjoy his final years as much as he did. The McNutt family is forever grateful for her love and compassion.

Friends are invited to visit at St. John the Beloved Church, 907 Milltown Road, Wilmington on Monday, November 11, 2024 from 10:30-11:30 AM.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 AM.  Burial will be in All Saints Cemetery, Wilmington.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences may be sent to Mealeyfuneralhomes.com.