Lawrence A. Pristera, 78, of North Utica passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2015 at the Siegenthaler Center, with his loving family by his side. Lawrence was born in Utica on December 20, 1936, a son of Anthony and Antoinette (Paluso) Pristera. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1956 -1960. For many years Lawrence owned and operated Pristera's American Gas Station in Utica and throughout his life he was also employed with Beacon Van Lines and General Electric Co. In 2000 Lawrence was united in marriage to Elizabeth Bonville. He was a parishioner of Historic Old St. John's Church, Utica. Lawrence is survived by his wife, Liz, two daughters, Eileen Pristera, of Utica and Barbara Polniaszek, of Lake Champlain, NY, and a brother, Vincent Pristera, of Utica. He is also survived by four grandchildren, a great granddaughter and many friends and relatives. A Memorial Funeral Mass with Military Honors for Mr. Pristera will be held Friday, June 19, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. from Historic Old St. John's Church, Utica. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the Mass. Those so wishing may make donations to Hospice & Palliative Care in Lawrence's memory. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Joseph Booth and his staff and the staffs of Acacic Home Care and the Siegenthaler Center for all the loving care given to Lawrence.