Dr. Robert C. Lawlor

Dr. Robert C. Lawlor well-known area ophthalmologist CHELMSFORD Dr. Robert C. Lawlor, Lowell-area ophthalmologist, of Chelmsford and Naples, FL, died March 13, 2009, at the age of 82. He was born May 12, 1926, in Dover, NH to Helen C. Lawlor and Dr. John E. Lawlor. He married Helen Vogel Lawlor of Chicago, IL in 1953. They had 6 children, Kate (Bill Ingalls) of San Francisco, CA, Robin (Steven Canger) of Pompton Lakes, NJ, Peter (Loyce O'Malley) of Chelmsford, Stephen (Susan Ades) of Washington, DC, Martha (Gary Krauch) and Robert (Suzanne Geary), both of Chelmsford. He also leaves 15 grandchildren, whom he cherished. After the death of his wife, Helen, in 1990, he married Marie Dellavedora of Nashua, NH in 1995; they divided their time between Chelmsford and Naples, FL. He leaves a brother, Gerald N. Lawlor of Dover, NH. He also leaves behind four step-children; and step-grandchildren. He was the brother of the late John E. Lawlor, and the late Catherine L. Hickey. He graduated from Phillips Academy in Andover, MA in 1944, and served with the US Marines in the Pacific Theatre in WWII. While in the Marines, Dr. Lawlor fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima He graduated from Yale University in 1950, and received his M.D. from Boston University School of Medicine in 1955. He completed an ophthalmology residency at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in 1959, and moved to Chelmsford that year to join the practice of Dr. Brendan Leahey. Dr. Lawlor founded his own practice, Massachusetts Eye Associates, in 1969. He was on the medical staffs of Lowell General Hospital, St. John's Hospital and St. Joseph's Hospital and the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, teaching residents in eye surgery until 1990. He was also on the teaching staff of Harvard Medical School as an Associate Clinical Professor until his retirement. He served as the President of the Medical Staff of each of Lowell General Hospital, and St. John's Hospital, as well as President of the New England Ophthalmological Society. Dr. Lawlor was also on the Board of Surgeons of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston. His hobbies included sailing, tennis, skiing, golf, and gardening. He was a member of Vesper Country Club (Tyngsboro, MA), and the Moorings Country Club (Naples, FL). He enjoyed traveling with his family. Dr. Lawlor was a communicant of St. Mary's Church in Chelmsford, and St. William's Church in Naples, FL. He also served on the boards of the Greater Lowell VNA, Lowell Family Services, United Way, and the Solomon Mental Health Center. LAWLOR In Chelmsford, March 13, 2009, at Sunny Acres, Dr. Robert C. Lawlor of Chelmsford and Naples, FL, husband of Marie Dellavedora Lawlor. Friends may call at the O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME, 276 PAWTUCKET ST. at Fletcher from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M. Monday. His Funeral will take place from the Funeral Home Tuesday morning at 8 o'clock followed by a Funeral Mass at ST. MARY CHURCH in CHELMSFORD at 9 o'clock. Burial in Hart Pond Cemetery in Chelmsford. Those wishing to may make contributions in his memory to the Boston University School of Medicine, 85 East Concord St., Boston, MA 02144 or the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 243 Charles St., Boston, MA 02144. E-condolence/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Funeral Directors, James F. O'Donnell, Jr. and John W. Crane (978 or 866) 458-8768.