Donald J. Lawless, 80, of New Bedford died April 8, 2007 at St. Luke's Hospital after a brief illness. He was the husband of the late Elsie (Oliveira) Lawless and the late Mildred (Taylor) Lawless.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Walter J. and Clara F. (Gammons) Lawless, he had lived in New Bedford for all of his life. He was a graduate of New Bedford Vocational High School.
He was a communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Church, where he was a member of the Men's League and the choir. He was also an altar server and a Eucharistic Minister at his church and was the recipient of the Marian Medal from the Diocese of Fall River for his years of service to his parish.
Mr. Lawless was formerly employed as a manager for the A&P Tea Company, and later was a merchandiser for Cain's Mayonnaise until his retirement.
During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. He was a recipient of the Asiatic-Pacific Theater medal with two stars, the American Area medal and the World War II Victory medal.
He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Andrews-Dahill Post 1531 and the YMCA.
Survivors include three daughters, Janet Allain of Mattapoisett, Joyce Hubbard and Jane Lent, both of New Bedford; two step-daughters, Gina Balestracci of Montclair, NJ, and Kathryn Balestracci of Cranston, RI; a sister, Frances Taylor of Warwick, RI; seven grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Mary Sullivan, Kathleen Pierce, Alice Bentley, and Walter J. Lawless.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home For Funerals, 495 Park St. New Bedford Thursday, April 12th at 9 AM. Funeral Mass in St. Francis of Assisi Church at 10 AM. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. Visiting hours Wednesday, April 11th from 4-8 PM.