Lawrence J. Sugden, 54,
Volunteer basketball/ baseball coach; football ref
Lawrence J. Sugden, 54, of Drexel Hill, a Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. employee, died July 10 at Delaware County Memorial Hospital.
Born in Drexel Hill and reared in Westbrook Park, Mr. Sugden attended Holy Cross Grade School and graduated from Cardinal O'Hara High School in 1971.
He was a 1976 graduate of Cabrini College, where he was a founding member of the basketball team and president of the student government association.
Mr. Sugden was an active member of his community and St. Dorothy's Church.
He was a coach for the Drexel Hill Raiders Basketball Association, St. Dorothy's basketball and the Upper Darby Police Athletic League. He also coached in the Llanerch Hills and Hilltop baseball leagues.
Mr. Sugden was well-known for officiating football for CYO Delmont Chapter of Suburban Officials, Philadelphia Catholic League, Inter-Ac League and the PIAA Chester Chapter.
He was also a referee for the Philadelphia Chapter of College Football Officials and a red hat for the Big East Conference. He was also an honorary member of the Philadelphia Central Board.
Mr. Sugden was known for strength of character, integrity, humor, smile and love of family.
He was the son of the late John Sugden and father of the late Jacqueline Anne.
Survivors: Wife of 30 years, Deborah Gatti Sugden; sons, Shawn and Brian, both at home; mother, Helen Sugden; brothers, James, John and Stephen; sister, Theresa; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Mass: 10 a.m. Friday, St. Dorothy's Church, Township Line and Burmont Road, Drexel Hill.
Visitation: After 5 p.m. Thursday and after 9 a.m. Friday, O'Leary Funeral Home, 640 E. Springfield Road, Springfield.
Burial: SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Marple.
07/15/2008,