Lawrence was born to immigrant parents, Mia and Siegfried Rothschild, in the Bronx, New York. He was the brother of Robert and Deborah, brother-in-law to Ilene, and uncle to Mark and Rachel. Other members of his “family” were various cats and two rescue dogs, Harley and Huck, whom Lawrence doted on.

An extraordinarily creative person, Lawrence was co-owner and co-designer of a successful fashion boutique in Soho for several years, and his designs were also sold by a number of high-end retailers nationwide. When a recession forced him to close the business, he expressed himself by designing and selling lamps, as well as being the videographer for a television show in the early years of cable. In his later years, Lawrence taught himself how to make art on his computer, sharing his work with family and selling it to benefit a nonprofit serving homeless New Yorkers. Interested in astrology, he gave beautiful charts to those close to him, who were often amazed when his astrological predictions came true.

Although Lawrence struggled with mental illness, he was able to overcome drug and alcohol dependencies. Having watched many friends die during the AIDS epidemic, he was a fierce advocate for gay rights. Lawrence bravely faced much adversity, while maintaining a positive attitude—and, despite his struggles, he never complained. Guided by a strong sense of spirituality, Lawrence was a kind man who treated others as he wanted to be treated—which by any measure is a life well lived.