Cornelius T. Lyons

Cornelius T., "Connie" Lyons, age 102 of North Attleboro, Ma. passed away peacefully in Sturdy Memorial Hospital, in Attleboro, Ma., on Sept. 21, 2025 after a brief illness.

He was pre-deceased by his darling wife, Kathryn B., "Kay" (Rock) Lyons, his son Thomas C. Lyons of North Attleboro, Ma., daughter Teresa Rossi of Lehigh Acres, Fl., and his grandson Matthew Lyons of Hawley, Pa.

He is survived by his beloved sons Jack Lyons of Chicago, Il., Dan Lyons of North Port, Fl., and his daughter Sheila Masterson of North Attleboro, Ma., his son- and daughters-in-laws, and his dear grandchildren, Randy Lyons, Stephanie Tanimura, Heather Sullivan, Beth Chamberlain, Brock Lyons, five great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was born on May 23, 1923 in Cambridge, Ma., loving son of Celia (Mooney) Lyons and John Lyons, who immigrated from Malin Head and Killarney, Ireland, respectively. He was pre-deceased by them as well as his brothers Huey, Bill, John, Gerald, Jimmy and Charlie Lyons and his sister "Red" LeBlanc.

Born in Cambridge, Ma., he graduated from Arlington, Ma. H.S. in 1941. He entered the U.S. Army Air Corps, completing his service at the close of WW II in 1945. Three months after marrying Kay in June, 1946, he entered Boston College on the GI Bill, graduating four years later with a B.S. degree in Chemistry, two young boys and one on the way, often working three part-time jobs to make ends meet.

For most of his adult life, he owned C.T. Lyons Chemical Co., operating as an independent sales representative for the chemical coatings industry. At the age of 59, he established his own manufacturing company, Lyons Coatings, in Franklin, Ma. with his son Dan. He retired at age 74 as a successful entrepreneur.
He and his wife Kay shared a love of travel, most memorably to Ireland and Australia several times to visit relatives. Connie was blessed with good health and athletic ability. While caddying at the Belmont Country Club, he fell in love with the game of golf when he was 12 years old. As an adult, he was a notable member of Pawtucket R.I. Country Club for 66 years, swinging his last club at age 99, stopping only after having some trouble climbing out of a sand trap. He drove and lived independently until two weeks before his passing.

Connie was a very spiritual man. Albeit non-denominational for his last 50 years of life, he lived by the Golden Rule, to love one another. As well as being a devoted husband and father, he was a kind and thoughtful friend who spread peace and shared joy with all who knew him. He was gifted with a phenomenal memory and love for music. He would at times spontaneously sing you and old favorite tune when prompted by a name or a memory, much to the amused dismay of his family. He leaves this earth with many lives touched by his generosity of spirit and love of life.

On Sunday, Oct. 5, his family celebrated a private farewell at Mount Hope Cemetery in North Attleboro, saying goodbye to a great man.