John Francis Lawler Jr.

John Francis Lawler Jr., 72, entered into eternal rest Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019, at St. Francis Hospital after a long illness, surrounded by his loved ones.

Born in Springfield, Dec. 17, 1946, he was the son of the late John F. Lawler Sr. and Catherine (Bellew) Lawler. John was a graduate of Providence College and received his master's degree from Western New England College. He had a long successful career as a CPA in the finance and accounting industry. He was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War and a former communicant of Holy Family Church in Enfield. John was a longtime volunteer coach and director of the Enfield Little League. He was an avid softball player and enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren in their athletic endeavors. He loved spending time at the beach and had a particular fondness for Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. John was a wonderful father to his three children with his wife, Sharon E. (Thompson) Lawler of Enfield.

He leaves his children, Kevin Lawler and his wife, Tracy, of Enfield, Wendy Mitchell and her husband, Steven, of Chelmsford, Massachusetts, Keith Lawler and Kristen of South Windsor. A great source of pride for John was his nine grandchildren, Mackenzie, Delaney and Owen Lawler, Riley, Peter, Megan, and Timothy Mitchell, and Ava and Cameron Lawler. John also leaves his longtime companion, Teena Hyatt of Manchester, her children and grandchildren. He is survived by his sister, Linda Merrigan and her husband, William, of Holbrook, Massachusetts; a brother, Gerald Lawler and his wife, Sharon, of San Antonio, Texas; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be Thursday, Feb. 21, at 9 a.m. from the Browne Memorial Chapels, 43 Shaker Road, Enfield, with a Mass in Holy Family Church at 10 a.m. The burial will follow in St. Michael's Cemetery in Springfield.

Calling hours are Wednesday, Feb. 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation Finance Department, 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016.