Walter J. Lawless, 83, of New Bedford, died Saturday May 3, 2003 at St. Luke's Hospital. He was the husband of Laura A. (Dumont) Lawless.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Walter J. and Clara F. (Gammons) Lawless, he had lived in New Bedford for most of his life. He had resided in Florida from 1994 until 2001 when he returned to New Bedford.
He was a communicant of St. Mary's Church in New Bedford.
He was formerly employed by the New England Telephone Company for many years until his retirement.
Mr. Lawless served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre, and participated in the Papuan, East Indies and New Guinea Campaigns. He was a recipient of the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Campaign Ribbon with 3 Battle Stars.
He was a graduate of Holy Family High School. He was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Andrews-Dahill Post 1531.
Survivors include his wife; 2 sons, Stephen Lawless of New Bedford, and James Lawless of Hudson, NH; a daughter, Maureen Boudreau of New Bedford and Stuart , Florida; a brother, Donald Lawless of New Bedford; a sister, Frances Taylor of Warwick, RI; 10 grandchildren ; 3 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.He was the brother of the late Aloyse Sullivan, Kathleen Pierce and Alice Bentley.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New BedfordWednesday May 7, 2003 at 8 AM.Funeral Mass at St. Mary's Church, Tarkiln Hill Rd., at 9 AM.Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours will be on Tuesday May 6, 2003 from 4-8 PM. Burial will be in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.