Lamonte Howard Lawrence attended Arizona State University and received a degree in physics.

His career began as an engineer with Phoenix-based Motorola Semiconductor Products Sector, which brought him into epitaxial research, an area of materials science that has had profound effects on the semiconductor industry. He developed his own ideas about how various aspects of the process could be improved and later founded his own research firm, Lawrence Semiconductor Research Laboratory, Inc.

During his career, he also initiated a relationship with his alma mater that has led to significant support for students and faculty of ASU's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences as well as ASU's emergence as an international leader in epitaxial growth.

Among his numerous recognitions over the years, noteworthy life achievements included: Endowed Lawrence Chair of Solid State Science (1996) & Lawrence Professor of Science of Engineering (1999) at Arizona State University; Distinguished Achievement Award, Arizona State University (1999); Doctor of Science, honoris causa, Arizona State University (2000).

Monte is survived by his loving wife, Ginny and their two children; his three children from a previous marriage; his sister; ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents Howard and Helen.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Congregation Rodef Sholom for their new Sacred Space Synagogue building (sacredspace.rodefsholom.org) and By the Bay Health/Beyond Hospice – Lights of Remembrance (bythebayhealth.org).

A Celebration of Life is being planned by the family.