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Kevin Lyons Obituary

Kevin D. Lyons, 65, of Boylston, died Thursday, October 2, 2008 at the UMass- Memorial Medical Center.

He leaves his wife, Kathleen A. (Murray) Lyons; His five children, Patricia Gallo and her husband Steven Gallo of Shrewsbury, Kevin J. Lyons and his wife Karen, Sean P. Lyons, Michael P. Lyons, all of Boylston, and Christopher M. Lyons and his wife Margaret of Worcester; four grandchildren, Caitlin Lyons, and Erin, Deirdre and Luke Gallo; two brothers, Daniel P. Lyons and his wife Mary Russell of Brookline and Jack Lyons of Worcester; a sister, Maureen Cupoli and her husband Michael Cupoli of Southboro, and many nieces and nephews.

His brothers James T. Lyons Jr. and Francis M. Lyons, and his sisters Dorothy E. Brodeur and Marjorie R. Chase predeceased him.

Kevin was born in Worcester, son of James T. and Catherine J. (McGonagle) Lyons. He has lived in Boylston more than 30 years.

He graduated in 1961 from St. Stephen's High School, and in 1965 from Worcester State College, where he also later earned a masters degree in education. He served in the Massachusetts Army National Guard.

Kevin began his career as an educator in the Northborough public school system, teaching for more than 10 years. He later worked as a sales representative for the Atlas Distributing Co. for many years.

His real mission in life was entertaining friends and towards that goal, he was involved in several food and beverage establishments with his brother-in-law Ed Madaus. They owned or operated the Hiller Airport restaurant in Barre, Barristers, Toby Boland's and Tammany Hall, all in Worcester, and Mamie Reilly's on Cape Cod. Since 1990, Kevin has owned and operated the Press Box, a tavern on Lincoln Street.

Kevin was an outstanding baseball player in high school and college. He was an outfielder for St. Stephen's when it won the state championship in 1958 under Coach John Tivnan. He also played for Worcester State when it won the New England championship in 1964.

Kevin received many awards throughout his lifetime. He was the first member of the Worcester State College Athletic Hall of Fame and was once honored as the school's Baseball Player of the Century. In 2000, he was named to the Galaxy of Stars. In 2002, he was named to the Clinton Leprechaun Legion of Honor. In 2003, he was voted Mayor for the Worcester St. Patrick's Day Parade. He was also honored for his achievements by the Sons of Italy.

He was a member of the Brown Square Civic Club, Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Grafton Hillers, the PAV Club in Clinton, and was an associate member of Marine Corps League in Worcester.

Kevin was proud of his Irish heritage and held dual citizenship here and in Ireland.

Calling hours at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester, are Sunday, Oct. 5 from 3 to 7 p.m. The funeral will be on Monday, Oct. 6 from the funeral home with a Mass at 11 a.m. in St. Mary of the Hills Church, 630 Cross St., Boylston. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Boylston.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Kevin's memory may be made to Friendly House, 36 Wall St., Worcester 01604.

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

Published by Worcester Telegram & Gazette from Oct. 4 to Oct. 5, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Kevin Lyons

Not sure what to say?





Tony And Pauline McSweeney

October 11, 2008

Tony, Pauline, our daughter Kelly Ann and our staff at the McSweeney Arms Hotel, Lakes of Killarney, Ireland wish to express our sympathy to Kevin's wife Kathleen and his family at this sad time.
We have very fond memories of Kevin, he loved to visit Killarney with his friends from The Press Box and he always enjoyed his stay in our hotel. He made our hotel is home away from home and we loved him very much. He was always in good form, telling stories, and he was so proud to have Irish blood coarsing through his veins. We have a photo of him when he was Mayor for the Worster St. Patrick's day Parade - boy he was ten feet tall.
We shall miss him. We will remember him in our prayers and lite some candles in our Cathedral in Killarney for him and for all of you.
As we say here in the old country "the likes of him will not be here again" May he Rest in Peace

Joan Urquhart

October 11, 2008

To Kathy and all your family. I was very sorry to hear about KEVIN, he was such a great guy. I had left worcester for a while and went to PA
and then I was back in Worc. I saw
Kevin at Biagio's and we had a few laughs about when my husband Bud
and I worked at Barristers. He will be
missed
Joan Urquhart

Erick Olsen

October 8, 2008

I have very fond memories of many games of wiffle ball, football, or shooting hoops with young Kevin in the Lyons backyard - and many of those memories include Mr. Lyons joining us to show us "how it's done." I also recall that he was very much respected and beloved in Boylston and the larger Worcester community. I wish you peace in this time of loss, and I will hold your entire family in my prayers.

Edward Steele

October 7, 2008

I taught with Kevin for several years at the Melican Middle School in Northborough. He was always friendly and free with his time. Occasionally, I would stop at the Press Box to say hello. He was always gracious and willing to share old stories. He will be missed.

My condolences,

Karen Brodeur

October 7, 2008

Uncle Kevin was the best ever. I will forever have him in my heart and remember all the summers and good times. He always had us smiling. I will miss him dearly and know that he is up there with Nana, mom and Uncle Francis and Uncle Jimmy. My love and thoughts and prayers to all.

Karen, Heather and Family

Paula Levasseur

October 7, 2008

Kathy and Family,
My Deepest Sympathy to you and your entire Family for your loss. Kevin was such a friend to all. He made everyone feel so welcome with that GREAT smile. He will be so sadly missed.

Dana (Marino) Chase

October 6, 2008

Michael and family-
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Carlo Baldino

October 6, 2008

Kevin was one of the few non-Italians in my neighborhood growing up. We played ball together in the little league and for four years at Worcester State College. If you want to know what kind of player he was, watch the Seattle Mariners' outfielder Ichiro Suzuki. Kevin could do it all on the baseball field....run, hit, and field his position. He was one of the nicest guys you'd ever meet as well. He'll be missed.

Ali Kierce

October 6, 2008

Trish and family,
We were so sorry to hear about your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Terry and Chris Dunn

October 6, 2008

Lincoln Street won't be the same without you - rest in peace. God Bless the Lyons family.

Jim Diggins

October 6, 2008

To the Lyons and Madaus families my thoughts and prayers are with you .

I was out of town when I heard of his passing. He was very proud of his heritage through and through. Worcester will miss a great Irishman

Donna Finnegan

October 6, 2008

The Lyons Family,

Our deepest sympathy in your loss, he always made everyone feel at home! He will be missed.

Tammy Holt

October 6, 2008

Sean, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

October 6, 2008

Sean

May beauty live on
in your memories
and bring you peace.
With Deepest Sympathy.

Albert Bonofiglio

October 6, 2008

The Lyons Family,

I was sad to see that Kevin had passed. I hope that all of you will cherish the fond memories. I will never forget the lessons Kevin gave me as younger lefty at Jack Barry. I will always remember him as the other lefty in the baseball community. Kevin will be missed by all.

Jim Quinn

October 6, 2008

Kev, you were a Worcester icon that will by missed. My condolences to the Lyons Family. JQ

Jean and Bob Lotuff

October 5, 2008

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Phil Peters

October 5, 2008

To the Lyons'Family my first out of neighborhood friend was Kevin when we were first teammates on Harr Motors of the Jack Barry Liitle League where I got to know and love Kevins mother as well as his dad.Later at St. Stephens' where we played both baseball and basketball and later in American Legion and The Blackstone Valley League where we competed against one another which was strange and fun all at the same time.I have my memories and all are etched in my heart and some are pasted in my scrapbook. I think of my father when I think of Kevin. He said many times "Kevins' got the classic left-handed swing"
Kevin was a great player and an even better teammate and friend. My love goes to your family Kevin whom I've not met and to you my longtime friend whom I will never forget...see you on the other side With love Phil Peters and Family

Richard Lamothe

October 5, 2008

Dear Kathy and Family,

My deepest condolences for your loss. I am shocked and saddened to learn of Kevin's passing. I was fortunate to be a teammate of Kevin's at WSC. He was not only a great baseball player and competitor, but was an even greater gentleman and friend. I always enjoyed stopping by at The Press Box when in Worcester and reminiscing about the past. Kevin will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Dick Lamothe

donald sanborn

October 5, 2008

dear kevin and family, i am so sorry to hear about your father. keep the faith and i will see you at the wake on sunday.. with sympathy donald and paula..............

Keith Hough

October 5, 2008

To the Lyons family

Kevin was one of my 5th grade teachers at Lincoln Street School in Northboro (circa 1968/1969). We would affectionately refer to Mr. Lyons as "Lefty", he was a good man.

I remember that he use to call me "Palm Tree" because I had long hair. One day I wrote that on a test instead of my name and he let me have it.

When I told my sister of Kevin's passing she told me that Mr. Lyons use to share story's with her class above young Patricia and how pround he was. She also told me that to this day she still listens to Irish music because of Mr. Lyons

I only wish I had caught up to him later in life.

My family have Kevin and his family in our prayers.

Keith Hough and family

Matt Servideo Northorough P.O.

October 5, 2008

Kevin and rest of Family: I am very sorry to hear about the loss of Kevin.. Although I only met him a few times he seemed like a stand up guy and can tell he will be sadley missed by all..

Bill Rand

October 5, 2008

My deepest condolence & sympathy for your loss. Kevin was truly a class act. He will be missed.

October 5, 2008

To the Lyon's family,
Please accept my deepest sympathies. I taught with Kevin at
the Northborough Middle School.
We lived in Boylston for 32 years.
Kevin was a great guy. Our thoughts
and prayers are with you.

Ron & Susan Reed

steve johnson

October 4, 2008

To the Lyons family---I was very sorry to hear about Kevin--I played on his first Baseball team when he starting coaching at Quinsigamond c.c. back in the mid 60's---He was a great coach and friend to me always --We shared some good memories when I would stop at the Press box---Again very sorry for your loss----Steve Johnson(Arizona)

Janice Baronoski

October 4, 2008

Dear Kathy and Family:

Shock, disbelief, and a great sadness are all a part of what I am feeling now. Kevin will always be remembered by everyone who knew him as a warm, loving, and generous guy. Heaven will never be the same after Joe & Kevin's arrival!!! Who knew it would be so close?
I am using a friend's computer to respond to this as I am presently away in Nantucket. I will not be able to attend as my daughter Becky and another friend will be joining me shortly. I will return late Thurs. and will be in touch. I pray that you, your children ,and grandchildren will find the strength to continue to love each other as always and eventually to keep his memory forever in your minds and hearts.

Condolences and God bless you all.

PAT (MORANO) RAFFERTY

October 4, 2008

Kathy - I was so sorry to read of kevin's passing. Thinking of him will always bring a smile to my lips. He was a great guy who helped so many people. He was a wonderful friend to Joe. We had some great times back in the day.....May wonderful memories comfort you always. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

jane kadis

October 4, 2008

dear kathy, chris and family,

we were so saddened to hear about

kevin. may your faith, and all the

good memories you have help you

all get through this difficult time.

you will be in our prayers.

sincerely,

the kadis family

bob, jane, jennifer, cate, michael,
stephanie and paul

Jean and your friends

October 4, 2008

Dear Michael,

Our condolences at this time to you and your family. We know you can depend on each other to get you through this sad time.

Your friends from Worcester care.

The O'Connor Family

October 4, 2008

To the Lyons family,
Our heartfelt sympathy and condolences for your loss. We will miss Kevin's quick-wittedness and jovial smile. He always made us laugh! We truly appreciate everything he did for us. He will be missed

Jim Rafferty

October 4, 2008

Kevin represented what is so good about people from Worcester. Whenever we return home visiting the Press Box and talking with Kevin was always one of the things that had to be done. Whether talking sports, Irish stories, or Worcester politics I always enjoyed hearing what Kevin had to say. Worcester has lost one of their best...

You all have our deepest sympathy,

Jim and Carol Rafferty

Max McCarthy

October 4, 2008

Kathy

I'm shocked to read about Kevin. We're on the Cape in Harwich for most of the year and will be unable to attend the services.
Going all the way back to the Jack Barry Little League, Sacred Heart elementary school. Worcester State, Lincoln St. school in Northboro, and even back to the Brandy Banjo, there are many great memories.
Kevin was a true gentleman. He always said and did the right thing and when he was asked, he always was generous and thoughtful.
Please remember all the great times.

Thoughtfully,
Max McCarthy

Joe Toloczko

October 4, 2008

My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the Lyons family.

Stephen Gannon

October 4, 2008

To the entire Lyons family ....

Please accept my condolences for your loss. Kevin always had a nice thing to say and a smile on his face.

Always enjoyed talking of WSC football w Kevin.

He'll be missed but never forgotten.

Paige Arnold

October 4, 2008

Kevin,
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your father.

Charlie Gatsios

October 4, 2008

Our deepest condolences to the Lyons family. The Press Box is Worcester Landmark. I am very sorry for your loss Chris and to your family.

Tom Kirklauskas

October 4, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Mary & Kevin Maguire

October 4, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Lyons family

Garry and marie Johnson

October 4, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Lyons family. We had many good times with Kevin and he will be greatly missed by all.

We love you, Kevin.

October 4, 2008

Mr. Lyons was one of my favorite teachers at Northboro Middle School. He always had a smile on his face. Mr. Lyons always gave me positive comments and made me feel important. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Mary (Bolduc) Kent

Colleen Stowell

October 4, 2008

Sean,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

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