Senior Airman Lawrence P. Manlapit, III, aged 26, formerly of Bridgeport and currently residing in Boise, Idaho, passed away suddenly on June 16, 2018, due to a motor vehicle accident. He was born in Fort Stewart, Georgia, on July 21, 1991, the beloved son of Dorine Hensley Norko and her husband Tom of Bridgeport, and Lawrence P. Manlapit, Jr., and his wife Cristy of California.

A Dedicated Serviceman

Lawrence attended James J. Curiale grammar school in Bridgeport from kindergarten until the eighth grade, and he graduated from Grover Cleveland High School in California in 2009. He briefly pursued his education at the University of Bridgeport before joining the U.S. Air Force, where he served as an Avionics Technician Specialist for the last four years of his life.

A Passionate Soul

With a keen interest in science, math, and all things related to the sky, Lawrence found joy in soccer, bowling, volleyball, hiking, and exploring. He had recently developed a passion for cooking and enjoyed spending time in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes.

A Fondly Remembered Individual

A loving son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, and friend, Lawrence’s presence touched the lives of many, and his absence is deeply felt by all who knew him.

He is survived by his maternal grandmother, Leilani Hensley of Bridgeport, his paternal grandmother, Muliwai Manlapit of Oahu, HI, his step-grandparents, John and Teri Norko of Bridgeport, his three sisters, Shayla Delgado and her husband Antonio of Ansonia, Davian L. Manlapit of Mebane, NC, and Kaiya I. Manlapit-Norko of Bridgeport, and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Honoring His Memory

He is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Edgar R. Hensley, Jr., and his paternal grandfather, Lawrence P. Manlapit, Sr.

A Celebration of Life event was held on December 7, 2019, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Guilford VFW Post 7666, located at 57 Mill Rd., Guilford, CT 06437.

Funeral services were held on Monday, July 2, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. in St. Augustine Cathedral, 359 Washington Ave., Bridgeport, followed by interment with full military honors in Lawncroft Cemetery, Fairfield. Friends paid their respects on Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions were made to a scholarship fund established in Lawrence’s honor, supporting students in pursuit of their academic aspirations. Contributions could be made through the funeral director, payable to Dorine Norko.