Robert F. Lawlor Sr.

Robert F. Lawlor Sr.
Robert F. Lawlor Sr., born June 5, 1946, in New Haven, Connecticut, passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026, after a courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia, a condition linked to Agent Orange exposure during his service in the Vietnam War. He was a proud United States Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient whose military service shaped a lifetime defined by duty, sacrifice, and public service. His service to his country came at great personal cost, one he carried with strength and quiet resolve throughout his life. Following his military service, Robert dedicated his professional life to law enforcement and the pursuit of justice. He served with distinction with the City of New Haven Department of Police Service for 26 years, rising through the ranks to Lieutenant. A legendary investigator and a respected boss, he ultimately served as I-1, the commanding officer of the Detective Bureau, a position now known as Chief of Detectives. Throughout his career, he was known for his leadership, fairness, and professionalism, earning the deep respect of colleagues and the community alike. After retiring from the New Haven Police Department, Robert continued his commitment to public service as an Inspector with the State of Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice, where he served for an additional 20 years. His career reflected an unwavering belief in accountability, integrity, and service to others. Robert was preceded in death by his mother, Anne Lindh, and his siblings James Lawlor, Linda Purga, Jean Lyscars, and Thomas Lawlor. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Gail Lawlor, and his children, Robert F. Lawlor Jr., David Lawlor and his wife Luznereida, and Brian Lawlor and his wife Terren. He was a devoted grandfather to Jovanni Lawlor, Christopher Lawlor, Lucy Lawlor and her husband Griffin Arnold, Rachel Lawlor, Taylor Lawlor, Brian Lawlor Jr., Emma Lawlor, and Luke Lawlor. Beyond his service, Robert found his greatest joy in simple moments, reading, playing cards, and most of all spending time with his grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, a proud father and grandfather, and a lifelong public servant whose legacy of service and love will endure.
The visiting hours will be held on Monday, January 26th, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at The Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, North Haven. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Rita's Church/St. Paul VI Parish, 1620 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, on Tuesday morning, January 27th, at 10:30. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Robert F. Lawlor Sr. to the American Brain Foundation in support of Lewy Body Dementia research Support Lewy Body Dementia Research, www.americanbrainfoundation.org/how-to-help/?form=Donate, or to Disabled American Veterans (DAV), supporting veterans and their families, Transform Veteran Lives - DAV (Disabled American Veterans), www.help.dav.org. www.northhavenfuneral.com