"Father Lawrence had an incredible relationship with young people," Wilcox said. "He was young and in the priesthood; it's unusual to encounter a young priest these days."
Signey could also relate to young people because he shared common interests with them, she said.
"He loved their music, their toys, iPods," Wilcox said. "He always wanted the latest technology. On his cellphone, it played 'Whip It' by Devo. The kids loved that."
Before coming to St. Robert Bellarmine about five years ago, Signey served as pastor at St. Bede the Venerable Catholic Church in La Cañada Flintridge.
Born on April 4, 1961, in England and raised in Long Beach, Signey had an interest in a religious vocation as early as the first grade.
In ninth grade, he entered Queen of Angels High School Seminary in Mission Hills, where he later served as spiritual director.
He was then promoted to dean of students at the seminary.
Signey's education included a master's degree in religious studies from St. John Theologate, a seminary in Camarillo. He also attended St. John College, also in Camarillo, earning a bachelor's degree in philosophy with a minor in English.
Signey is survived by two brothers and a sister.
