Lawrence Fiorita

Hancock, Maryland

Lawrence Franklin “Pete” Fiorita, age 82, of Hancock, Md., died on Wednesday, April 22, 2015, at his home.

Born January 20, 1933, in Barrellville, Md., he was the son of the late Raymond and Rosella Bridges Fiorita.

He graduated from Beall High School in 1951, and studied Criminal Justice at Hagerstown Junior College.

Pete joined the United States Army in 1953, serving with the 3 ^rd Armored Division during the German Occupation, and was honorably discharged from the Army Reserve in 1961.

He continued his service with the Maryland State Guard.  Captain Fiorita served with great distinction, earning the State of Maryland commendation Medal, as company Commander for Company A, 9 ^th Battalion of the Maryland Defense Force. He was honorably discharged in 1995, and fondly remembered for his commitment to those he led and those he served, especially the citizens of the State of Maryland.

Pete began his career with the State of Maryland, in 1956, as District Game Warden. He retired as a Sergeant with the Department of Natural Resources Police in 1983. He was supervisor in Allegany and Garrett Counties. Upon his retirement, he became a police officer, serving the Town of Hancock until 1995.

He was a member of James W. Bowers Lodge #173 AF & AM, in Hancock; 32 ^nd Degree Scottish Right, Valley of Cumberland, and Tall Cedars of Lebanon Forest #95. He was a member of Ali Ghan Temple and Legion of Honor, in Cumberland, Md.; and Knights Templar, of Martinsburg, W.Va. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Thomas Pangborn Lodge 88. Pete also was a member of the American Legion Post 24, in Frostburg, Md.; and a life member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars.

He enjoyed fishing and boating, and was a Baltimore Orioles baseball fan.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane Munson Fiorita, whom he married August 20, 1958; daughters Lisa M. Fiorita, of Kensington, Md., and Karen L. Fiorita, of Hagerstown, Md.; and one grandson, E. Lynn Fleegle, Jr.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Hancock American Legion Post 26, 240 East Main Street, Hancock, Md., on Saturday, May 2, 2015, at 2:00 p.m.  The Rev. Steven L. McCarty, of the St. Andrews Episcopal Church of Clear Spring, Md., will officiate. A Military Service by the Tri-State Honor Guard will follow the Memorial Service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory to the charity or organization of your choice.

Arrangements are being handled by the Grove Funeral Home, 141 West Main Street, Hancock, Md.

Online condolences will be accepted at grovefh.com