October 7, 1939 – December 4, 2021
Lawrence is survived by his wife, Pam Vieira of Denair, daughters Lori Vieira Curtis and her husband, David Curtis, of Granite Bay, CA, Sherri Vieira Glenn and her husband, Benjamin Glenn, of San Carlos, CA; and grandchildren Brendan Curtis, Andrew Curtis, Jillian Curtis, Jack Glenn and Ava Glenn. Lawrence is also survived by his sister, Kathleen Rocha of Waterford, CA.
Lawrence was a member of the Valley Headers Car Club, the Future Farmers of America (FFA) Western Four Wheel Pulling Association, The Modesto Four Wheelers Club, The Lyons Club of Denair, and a Fourth Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus.
Lawrence Jeffrey Vieira, son of Jeffrey and Mary Vieira (both deceased), lived in Turlock 23 years and Denair for 59 years. He was born in Turlock on October 7, 1939. He left us on December 4, 2021.
Lawrence attended Monte Vista Grammar school from first through eighth grade. Lawrence graduated Turlock High School in the class of 1958. His classmates remained his best friends for his entire life. He married Pam Magee and was married for 59 years. Lawrence and Pam built a family, a business, a home and a wonderful life together.
Lawrence went to Modesto Junior College where he learned to be a mechanic. His dream was to own his own business. After working for Andersons Body Shop for 5 years he struck out on his own purchasing Paul Moore Wheel Alignment and Brake Service. He and his wife Pam spent the next 45 years working side by side, covered in brake dust and car parts – having the time of their lives. Lawrence respected Paul Moore so much he decided to keep the name. Because of this, to many people in Turlock he was known as “Paul Moore”.
Lawrence loved everything cars. He built them, repaired them, restored them, talked them, and breathed them.
He had a real passion and gift for restoring classic cars. He loved the hunt for the perfect part more than anything else. Swap meets were his favorite place to be. Over several decades, countless vintage car owners entrusted their wheels, alignment, and brakes “only to Lawrence”.
He loved to 4-wheel drive pull and built and customized his jeep “Crazy Ride”. He had an amazing ability to make and implement his own parts and design. “Crazy Ride” became so “crazy” when he pulled the sled that the jeep “became a persona into itself almost like a pet.”
He loved loud engines, speed, and beauty. He was a gentle man with a kind heart. He was an amazing husband and father. He was also our Papa.
When you think of Lawrence you always think of his smile.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in Lawrence’s name to The National Pancreas Foundation (www.pancreasfoundation.org)
Recitation of the rosary will be held at 6pm on Tuesday, December 28th at Allen Mortuary. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Wednesday, December 29th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Turlock.
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Gary Sanders says
December 29, 2021 at 9:50 pmLawrence was a great man. I became acquainted with him because I was a friend of his cousin Greg Nascimento. I knew Lawrence for around 55 years. He and I became friends and I wouldn’t have anyone touch my cars except him. He was the best at what he did. He was honest. We both connected because of cars. During his retirement, we saw each other at swap meets. We were both buying parts that we may or may not ever use. Iam going to miss lawrence. I will always remember his smile,his friendly demeanor,his love of talking about cars,parts and projects. He will be greatly be missed by me and many others.
Curt Watts says
December 17, 2021 at 5:08 amI loved this man. He was my cousin, a very special soul full of kindness and wisdom. I will muss him so much!
Jim and Carol McRoberts says
December 17, 2021 at 3:40 amPam and family You are in our thoughts and prayers and we loved Lawrence too. He was always so sweet and smiling in his gentle manner. Just a good man and good man if his word.
Kathy and Gary Curtis says
December 16, 2021 at 8:11 pmLawrence had such a warm and gentle personality. We were pleased to have our son become a part of his family. Rest In Peace Lawrence. I can see you fixing your special vehicles in that big Garage in the sky.
Rich and Rosie Silva says
December 16, 2021 at 5:54 pmOur thoughts and prays are with Pam , Sherri,, Lori, families , Lawrence was the kindness , gentle soul man, always had big beautiful smile every time we saw him. We will miss him. Peace ,love and blessings to all. Love Rich and Rosie
Donna Hedstrom says
December 15, 2021 at 10:11 pmLAWRENCE WAS A VERY SPECIAL MAN. HE ALWAYS HAD A SMILE AND WORKED ON ALL OUR CARS OVER THE YEARS. HE WILL BE TRULY MISSED.
ROY AND DONNA HEDSTROM SEND PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY.