TEWKSBURY: John F. Lawless, age 84, a resident of Tewksbury for the past 29 years, died unexpectedly on Monday, July 12, 2004 at his home.
He was the husband of Jeanette (Karwoski) Lawless with whom he celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on May 13th.
Born in Wakefield on June 25, 1920, he was the son of the late Thomas and Katherine (Dalton) Lawless.
Mr. Lawless was graduated from Chelsea High School in 1939.
Mr. Lawless was a member of the Holy Trinity Church of Lowell.
He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, the Korean War and later in the U.S. Naval reserves. During his 30+ year naval career, he served aboard the USS BOGGS, the USS ATTU and the USS SHEW. He was awarded numerous decorations including the World War II Victory Medal, the American Area Medal, the American Defense Medal, the Good Conduct Medal with One Star and the Asiatic-Pacific Area Medal with Two Stars.
Following his active duty naval career, he worked as an electrician at the Soldier’s Home in Chelsea until his retirement in 1985.
Mr. Lawless was a member of several fraternal and civic organizations including the Malden Eagles # 893, the Billerica Elks # 2071, the Pelham, NH American legion # 100, the Tewksbury V.F.W. # 8164, the Polish Political Club of Chelsea and the Irish-American Club of Malden.
Mr. Lawless enjoyed listening to Irish music, traveling to Ireland.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by 1 daughter; Barbara A. O’Connell of Tewksbury; 2 sons; John F. Lawless, Jr. and his wife Barbara (Modzelewska) of Lowell and Gregory P. Lawless of Melrose; 1 grandson; Michael V. Lawless of Lowell.
Mr. Lawless was the father-in-law of the late Kevin O’Connell and brother of the late Katherine Hardin, Mary Langley, Thomas, Bartholemew, James, Edward and William Lawless.
Calling hours Thursday, July 15th from 4-8 p.m. at the FARMER & DEE FUNERAL HOME, 16 LEE ST., TEWKSBURY. Funeral Friday, July 16th at 9 a.m. from the funeral home. Funeral Mass Friday at 10 a.m. at Holy Trinity Church, High St., Lowell. Interment at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.