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Paul Gregory "Greg" Lawler

1960 - 2024

BORN

1960

DIED

2024

FUNERAL HOME

Douglass Funeral Service

87 North Pleasant Street

Amherst, Massachusetts

Paul Lawler Obituary

Paul Gregory "Greg" Lawler

Hadley, MA - It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Paul Gregory "Greg" Lawler, 64, of Hadley, Massachusetts, who passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on November 16, 2024. Greg was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, and friend. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of love, laughter, and devotion to his family and community.

Greg was the cherished husband of Janet Lawler (née Cotanche) for 42 years, a marriage built on love, respect, and countless memories. Together, they raised their son, Jason Lawler, and welcomed his wife, Nicole, into the family. Greg's greatest joy was being a father and grandfather to his granddaughter, Blake, and grandson, Cal, who brought him immeasurable happiness.

Born on March 15, 1960, in Natick, MA, Greg was raised in Amherst, MA, by his parents, Paul and Celeste Lawler, who survive him. He is also survived by his sister, Denise Sawicki and her husband, Scott; their children, Sean Sawicki and his wife, Becca, along with their children Luke and Kate, and Sean's children, Madison and Emileigh; and Denise and Scott's daughter, Erin Sawicki. Greg's brother, Steven Lawler, and his wife, Erin, also survive him, along with their children, Cai and Maeve Lawler. He is additionally survived by his late aunt, Dottie Witham, and her husband, Alvin Witham, along with their children: Alan Witham, Wendy Carlson, and Elizabeth Marino.

Greg took immense pride in his work, dedicating over 40 years of service as a member of the International Union of Elevator Constructors, starting with Local 91 and later Local 41. He found both purpose and satisfaction in a career that spanned decades. Outside of work, Greg was an avid golfer and poker player, achieving a notable finish at a World Series of Poker Senior Event. However, his greatest joy came from spending time with his grandchildren, Blake and Cal, who were the light of his life.

Greg was a kind, loving man with a gentle spirit who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He had an infectious sense of humor and a generous heart, always ready to lend a hand or share a laugh. He will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his dedication to his work, and the joy he found in life's simple pleasures.

A celebration of Greg's life will be held at Douglass Funeral Home in Amherst, MA, on Monday, November 25th. Visitation will take place from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, followed by a service. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Greg's memory to the Hospice of the Fisher Home in Amherst, MA.

May he rest in peace, surrounded by the love and warmth he gave to so many throughout his life.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Hampshire Gazette on Nov. 21, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
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Douglas A Cotanche

November 15, 2025

Greg was my sister's husband and I had nothing but the greatest respect and love for him. It still hurts to think he is gone. He was a fantastic Dad and Grandpa. He also had a lovely family that welcomed my sister and me to their family. Greg is sorely missed!

Paul Poissant

November 15, 2025

Its been a year and for me its been hard not being able to reach out to him for our golf and lunches, conversation and friendship I cannot begin to imagine the loss for the family rest in peace my friend

Tom Bassett

November 23, 2024

Dear Paul and Celeste,
I just learned of your sons passing. I am so very sorry for your loss. At times like this there aren´t words to describe what you must be feeling or express how truly sorry I am. Please know my thoughts are with you.
Tom Bassett

Uncle John and Carolina

November 22, 2024

Janet, Jason and Nicole and family,

Our deepest condolences on the passing of Greg. You all are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
With much love and sympathy,
Uncle John and Carolina

Douglas Cotanche

November 21, 2024

I am so sorry to hear this! Greg was a wonderful husband to my sister and a wonderful Dad to Jason. He will be truly missed!

Always  Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

Barbie, Billy, Ginger Wright

Sent Flowers

Richard and Linda Jenks

November 21, 2024

Our condolences to Paul's family. We know how the loss of children, family, and friend can weigh heavy on the heart. God Bless.

Susan Laugher

November 21, 2024

Greg and Janet have been such a significant part of my and my family´s life for over four decades, and I am struggling to find words sufficient to describe how much he has been loved, and how much he will be missed. Through laughter and tears, celebrations and struggles, he has been a support, an inspiration, and a dear friend. Rest easy, Greg; I will treasure the myriad memories we have shared over the years, and count myself richer having known you.

Michelle Kelliher

November 21, 2024

Sending condolences to Janet and family. Greg made all my work days brighter. Will always remember his humor with a smile. So very sorry to you all for this great loss. He was an amazing man and I will remember him fondly for the rest of my life. Peace and Love to the family, MK

Sam Hannigan

November 21, 2024

A classmate, a colleague, and a friend who will be missed. Greg was widely respected in the elevator community for his dedication. Because he took such great pride in his craft, he always insisted on giving his best to his customers, and even more so to the people who worked alongside him. We all felt safe and secure when Greg was around. His only frustrations were on those occasions when his employer's policies impeded his ability to meet his own standards, which were unmatched.

"The thing of it is," he would say, and then cut right to the heart of the matter.

The thing of it is, we are sad today, but we are all better for having known him. Farewell, Greg.

Paul Poissant

November 20, 2024

Greg was a mentor and a great friend who will be forever missed. Last week´s patriots game was a first without texting back and forth i will forever miss our lunches golfand casino days rest easy my dear friend

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Memorial Events
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Nov

25

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Douglass Funeral Service

87 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01002

Nov

25

Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m.

Douglass Funeral Service

87 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01002

Funeral services provided by:

Douglass Funeral Service

87 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01002

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