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John Lawler Obituary

Of Boston, formerly of Jamaica Plain and Framingham, August 18, 2008. Beloved son of the late Patrick J. and Catherine T. (Smith) Lawler. Loving brother of William Lawler and his wife Mary of Framingham, Robert Lawler and his wife Eileen of Roslindale, Mary Radley and her late husband Robert of Yarmouthport, Richard Lawler and his wife Helena of Foxboro, Ann Sweeney and her late husband Calvin W. of Walpole and the late Thomas F. Lawler and Patricia McGoldrick. Also survived by 32 nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. George's Church, 74 School St., Framingham on Friday, August 22 at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours on Wednesday from 2-4 PM at Regina Cleri, 60 William Cardinal O'Connell Way, Boston. Msgr. Lawler will lie in state at St. George's Church, Framingham on Thursday from 4-8 PM. Interment St. Joseph's Cemetery, West Roxbury. Retired Pastor of St. George's Church (Saxonville), Framingham. Retired Chaplin at the Boston State Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Regina Cleri, 60 William Cardinal O'Connell Way, Boston, MA 02114. www.lawlerfuneralhome.com. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home 617-323-5600

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

Published by Boston Globe from Aug. 19 to Aug. 21, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for John Lawler

Sponsored by John, Theresa, & Cullen Jack Lawler.

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November 9, 2010

Msgr. Lawler is a wonderful model of an ideal parish priest. He married my fire and I in 1983,a union which produced a beautiful daughter and 2 granddaughters.
We will always miss Father's wonderful laugh and his stories from the past. Monsignor Lawler pray for us all,and rest in the peace of Our Lord.
Jeffrey and Cindy Warren
Holliston,MA

maureen smyth lawlor

March 8, 2009

In 1964 you visited your uncle jack smyth in moylough galway ireland and celabrated mass at st patricks church moylough all your cousins have lovely memories of your stay with us it was to our deepest sadness to hear of your passing only now may your gentle soul rest in peace love from ireland maureen x

Easter 2008 w/ Father John & his sister Ann Sweeney

Patty Bray

March 6, 2009

When I think of my childhood and entire adult life, I think of my wonderful uncle Father John. I miss our monthly visits taking my Mom to visit Father John and having lunch at Kinsale's in Boston. I also miss seeing his beautiful smiling face on all of the holidays! I cherish my memories of my loving uncle. Patty Sweeney Bray

Father John's brother Tom holding the Lawler twins Jim & Andrea

September 4, 2008

Kevin and Kelly Lawler

August 27, 2008

May you always have walls for the winds, a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire, laughter to cheer you, those you love near you, and all your heart might desire.

An Irish blessing that reminds me of something Father John might have said at a Sunday family dinner in Roslindale. You will truly be missed by all. Thank you Father John.

Father John in the middle.

August 24, 2008

Father John's brother Bob

August 23, 2008

Father John's Mother and Father

August 23, 2008

father John 1941

August 23, 2008

Father John 1941

August 23, 2008

Father John 1941

John Lawler

August 23, 2008

Enjoy these pictures ...

Gloria Dec

August 22, 2008

Father Lawler married my husband and me 33 years ago. He was always smiling and was a wonderful priest. I always loved his sermons. He never forgot a face...I will always have a special place in my heart for him.

John Lawler

August 22, 2008

Cardinal Medeiros appointed Rev. John F. Lawler as pastor of St. George Church in 1972. Almost immediately, it was time for the Parish's 125th Reunion. This celebration took place on October 14, 1972. The Mass was presided over by the Most Reverend Joseph Maguire, Auxiliary Bishop of Boston, who was assisted by Rev. John F. Lawler. A celebratory dinner dance was then held at the Framingham Armory.

On November 7,1980, a "Burn the Mortgage Celebration" attended by more than 500 parishioners and invited guests, was held at the Chateau DeVille in Framingham. The original cost of the church was about $500,000. Eight years earlier at the 125th anniversary in 1972, the remaining debt had been $215,000. Now in 1980, the entire debt was liquidated. Rev. Msgr. Lawler, in praising the parishioners for the dedication shown and sacrifices made in paying off this large debt so quickly said, "Now the evening is November 7, 1980 and the church debt is liquidated. This is your Church. You are the Church. You sacrificed, prayed, and paid for it. It is truly a goal achieved. I share your joy." He paid tribute to the former pastor, Monsignor Joseph G. Regan, under whose leadership and guidance this church was built in 1963.

At this celebration, a new official seal for St. George Parish was presented to Msgr. John F. Lawler. A cross in red represented the love and martyrdom for which St. George of Cappadocia, a martyr about 303, had given his life for Christ. This red cross on a white field, called the St. George Cross as well as the Cross of England, is used as a badge for the Order of St. George. The three mounts represent Boston (only Tremont Street remains) as listed in the Roman Curia. The silver star represents both the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on the American Flag and the Morning Star in the Litany of Loreto from the title of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

On June 18, 1995, the Rev. Msgr. John F. Lawler celebrated his Golden Jubilee as a priest at a Mass of Thanksgiving concelebrated by Bishop Roberto Gonzales. Before becoming Pastor at St. George Parish, Msgr. Lawler had served in several parishes as well as being the Chaplain to Boston State Hospital in Mattapan for 18 years. In 1967, during his time as Chaplain, Fr. Lawler had been appointed a Monsignor by Cardinal Richard Cushing. In July 1995, Msgr. Lawler retired after completing twenty three years as pastor of St. George Church.

Michele King

August 22, 2008

My favorite memory of Msgr. Lawler was when I was a child, I would visit with him outside of the church after the mass was over. If an adult approached to speak to him, he would remove his hat and rest it on the wall in front of the church. He would ask us to babysit his hat. He would usually buy me an ice cream, for doing it. He was an amazing priest. My condolences to the family. May he rest in eternal peace.

DONNA MESSINEO

August 22, 2008

I BECAME A CATHOLIC BECAUSE OF FATHER LAWLER. HE WAS A WONDERFUL PRIEST AND MAN OF GOD HE WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART AND PRAYERS

Sam H

August 22, 2008

Monsignor Lawler was a very kind and understanding man with a sense of humor. He performed the marriage ceremonies for my late wife, Deborah Joan, and me in 1975. The world has lost a good man but Heaven has gained a wonderful soul.

Lia Lawler

August 21, 2008

His dedication to his faith and family is unquestionable. Although he had suffered a stroke and could no longer speak the word of God, he silently served at our wedding, working with a fellow priest to marry his nephew. How difficult this must have been for him, yet, in a selfless act, he held his head high and proud.

Michael Morrissey

August 21, 2008

I served Msgr. Lawler as an Alter Boy at St. George's Church for many years. It was an honor. He was like a grandfather to me, and he helped to develop me into a young man of faith...as he truly was a man of God. He was blessed, and happily shared his blessings with others. He was a good man and a great priest. He will be missed, but his influence will have a lasting impression.

Kathy (Barry) Adams

August 21, 2008

Msgr Lawler was my pastor through childhood and marrried my husband and myself. I attribute my faith in God to my parents and Msgr Lawler and I am sorrowed by his passing. However, I can clearly hear him saying "my bags are packed and I am was ready to go".
My sympathies to his family which he spoke of so fondly and so often.

Paul Hanna

August 21, 2008

Great priest! Truly a man of God. Love and our prayers for his family.

The Hannas (front row, tabernacle side)

Father John having fun with the triplets.

August 20, 2008

The Lawler triplets baptism performed by Father John

August 20, 2008

John, Theresa & Cullen Lawler

August 20, 2008

My Loving Uncle, Father John.
I fondly remember the times Father John would take my brothers and I to the circus and how he always brought Friendly's ice cream when he came to visit. "Smiling Jack" the Priests called him because he was never without a smile. On May 27, 2008 my son was born, Cullen Jack Lawler named after a caring and loving Uncle. We love you so much and will miss you greatly!

Julie Happel

August 20, 2008

Father Lawler was a wonderful person. He was an amazing neighbor to my parents(Michael and Nora Fahy). He married my husband and I 14 years ago. My family and I are very saddened by his passing.He is in heaven with dear Katie his lovely mother. Please accept our deepest condolences. Julie (Fahy) Happel and family and her mother Nora Fahy

Bill & Judy Lawler

August 20, 2008

He was a terrific and caring uncle, brother and friend to all the lives that he touched. We will never know the magnitude because he was also a very humble man. He will surely be missed.

Bill and Mary lawler

August 20, 2008

A priest for all seasons,his loving kindness and caring will never be forgotten.He will be missed greatly.God bless and may he rest in peace.

Andrea , Gerald "lawler" Scaparotti

August 20, 2008

What a wonderful man touched so many lives.You will be missed and remembered always.May you rest in peace.

PATRICIA McGoldrick

August 20, 2008

Rembering Fr. John's loving words when he spoke of his mother Katie, as "the wind beneth my wings", I know that he too was the silent strenth for so many.
In each life that was enriched by John, he will always be remembered.

Love,
Patty McGoldrick

Tim Hart

August 19, 2008

msgr.Lawler was dedicated priest and will be missed.

Celebrating John.Patrick,Richard lawler's birthday with Uncle John

Richard, Kelly, & Casey Grace Lawler

August 19, 2008

"Father John" was a loving and caring uncle. He always remembered our birthdays growing up. We triplets would hear him knocking on our door with his foot, his arms filled with presents, a huge cake, and ice cream.

I wish he had met my baby girl Casey Grace, born 5/14/08.
He was my mentor and I loved him very much. He will be sadly missed

Goodbye, Father John. I will see you in heaven.

Rachel Lawler

August 19, 2008

Father John will be missed by everyone who knew him.

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