Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Laurence Kenneth Avanzino Jr. |
| Date of Birth | December 26, 1935 |
| Place of Birth | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Date of Death | February 18, 1997 |
| Place of Death | Providence, Rhode Island |
| Education | Attended Boston College; New York University |
| Occupation | Self‑employed painter; small‑business owner |
| Primary Residences | Arlington, Massachusetts; Providence, Rhode Island |
| Spouse | Sharon Kathleen Dugan (m. 1959; later divorced) |
| Children | Six children: Kathleen, Lauren, Kristyn, Elizabeth, plus two sons from subsequent marriage |
Early Life & Education
Born in Boston on December 26, 1935, Laurence K. Avanzino. His parents Elizabeth and Laurence Sr. raised him in an Italian-Irish home.Raised in the post-Depression era, he attended Boston College in the mid-1950s before attending New York University. Although he did not graduate, his stay at these universities coincided with his rise as a college athlete.
Family & Personal Relationships
Parental and Sibling Background
- Father: Laurence Kenneth Avanzino Sr.
- Mother: Elizabeth Avanzino (née O’Brien)
- Heritage: Paternal Italian ancestry; maternal Irish ancestry
Marriages and Children
- First Marriage (1959): Married Sharon Kathleen Dugan; had daughter Kathleen Elizabeth (“Kathy”) on March 13, 1959.
- He had two boys whose names are not officially documented from his second marriage after his divorce.
He has four daughters—Kathleen, Lauren, Kristyn, and Elizabeth—and two boys. His daughters include Kathy Hilton and three younger siblings who kept their lives covert.
Extended and Step‑Family
- Kim and Kyle Richards, born from his ex-wife’s marriage to Kenneth E. Richards, are his step-siblings.
- Paternal Half‑Siblings: Five half‑siblings from his father’s later union.
Laurence was at the center of a large network that would garner media notice through his daughter’s public career.
Career & Later Life
Athletic Beginnings
His college years at C.W. Post-Long Island University, Laurence was a renowned “handsome, blond-haired football player,” gaining respect and establishing his work ethic.
Transition to Painting
In the early 1970s, he switched from sports to painting. Starting as a self-employed painter in New England, he ran a small painting business for nearly 20 years. He had regular commissions in Massachusetts and Rhode Island for home and business interiors.
| Period | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1953–1957 | College football at C.W. Post |
| 1960s–1990s | Self‑employed painting business |
| 1970s–1980s | Residences in Arlington, MA |
| 1980s–1997 | Residency and work in Providence, RI |
Residences and Community Involvement
Laurence spent his early age in Arlington, Massachusetts, before moving to Providence, Rhode Island, for many years. Though not involved in public groups, he was linked to local trade associations and mentored young painters.
Public Image & Legacy
Obituary and Media Presence
He was a painter and family man, according to his February 18, 1997 obituary. It briefly appeared in provincial publications, highlighting his trade rather than fame.
Genealogical Interest
Find A Grave and WikiTree have become important sources for his biographical information in the decades since his death. Fans research his Italian-Irish heritage, update Oak Grove Cemetery records, and map the extensive Avanzino-Richards family tree.
Influence on Family Narrative
While Laurence kept a low profile, his daughter Kathy Hilton’s media career and the Richards sisters carry on his legacy. As the patriarch of a prominent blended family, he quietly left a legacy in entertainment, philanthropy, and reality television.
Most Recent Updates
- 2023 Retrospectives: Tabloids rehashed his 1959 elopement with Sharon Dugan and his minimal involvement in his daughter’s early public life.
- 2024 Genealogical Profiles: WikiTree and Find A Grave added burial and family details, but no mainstream articles appeared.
- Family Recognition: Genealogical site revisions enhance his biography, but no fresh interviews or commemorations have been documented since 2024.
FAQ
What was Laurence K Avanzino’s primary occupation?
He worked for over 25 years as a self‑employed residential and commercial painter.
Who was his first spouse?
He married Sharon Kathleen Dugan in 1959 before their later divorce.
How many children did he have?
He fathered six children: four daughters and two sons.
Where is he buried?
He is interred at Oak Grove Cemetery in Massachusetts.
Which colleges did he attend?
He attended Boston College and later spent time at New York University.
What is his connection to the Hilton and Richards families?
He is connected to Kim and Kyle Richards through his daughter Kathy Hilton and his ex-wife’s remarriage to Kenneth Richards.
