Denis Joseph Lawlor
January 22, 1942 to May 20, 2025
Obituary
For those unable to attend the Mass for the Late Denis Lawlor may view it clicking on the following link: Basilica
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Denis Joseph Lawlor, May 20, 2025. Aged 83. Born January 22, 1942. Died peacefully at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital.
Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle and husband to his Wife, Jean of Sixty years.
Predeceased by his Parents; Thomas & Mary (Dobbin); and Son, Denis.
Left to celebrate his life are his two brothers Tom and Stan (Geri); children Stephen (Tammy), Paul (Laura) and Sandra; grandchildren (Dylan, Mark, Emmanuel, Simon & Anna); brothers-in- law Mike Kinsella (Loretta), Edward Kinsella, Bill Kinsella (Patricia), Cy Kinsella (Louann), and sisters-in-law Betty (Bill Doyle), Ann (Murray Boutilier), Gen (Bill McDonald) and Theresa Peacock. Also included are numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; too numerous to mention.
Denis was previously a member of the Royal Canadian Air Forces, a devoted Husband of nearly sixty years as well as an established businessman. He was heavily involved with the community of Airport Heights where he was instrumental in developing the portion of the Grand Concourse Trail that runs through that community. He also played a pivotal role in the building of a park in Airport Heights which included a soccer/softball field and playground, which was named after him – The Denis Lawlor Park.
Denis loved anything with wheels – toys, bikes, cars and was a huge Elvis Presley fan who enjoyed spending time in his park like garden where he lived for almost Fifty years.
A very special thank you to the Doctors and Staff of St. Clare’s Hospital ICU for the amazing care and personal touch that we know Denis appreciated.
Visitation will take place at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, Thursday May 22 from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00–9:00
Funeral mass will take place Friday May 23, 2025, at The Basilica of St. John the Baptist, at 11:00 am. Inurnment to follow at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery.
Flowers are gratefully appreciated, or donations can be made to a Charity of Choice.
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened” – Dr. Seuss
Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on May 22, 2025
7-9 p.m. on May 22, 2025
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
11:00am, Friday May 23rd
Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Inurnment at the Holy Sepulchre Columbarium
To the Lawlor and Kinsella families. We are very sorry to just hear of Denis’s passing. I have known Denis throught Lawtor’s trophy shop and the Knights of Columbus for many years. A great family man and always had time for a chat at the shop and after 11 AM Mass at the Basilica. He always gave you that warn big smile. May his soul rest in eternal peace. You are all in our prayers.
Brian & Dianne Kennedy
We extend our thoughts and prayers to the Lawlor and Kinsella families on Denis’s passing. A devoted family man who will be remembered for his contribution to business and to the development of Airport Heights in its early stages.
May He Rest In Peace.
Frank and Rosemary Galgay
So very sorry to hear of Denis’s passing. For many years he gave us exemplary service to our cadet units. We will miss his friendly and caring smile.
Norm and Georgie Macfie
Sandi and family,
My condolences on your father’s passing. I will have to visit his park next time I’m home.
R.I.P Stan.
Dear Paul and the Lawlor family,
I am sorry to hear of the great loss of your father. Airport Heights is, and always was, a close-knit community, even family. It’s always sad to hear of a loss of a member of that family. But, thankfully, he has left behind a beautiful legacy in our community and in you. Wishing you all peace and joy in the memories of his life well-lived and your time spent together.
Jean and family. I am very sorry to read that your dear husband Denis has passed. We have fond memories of the good times we had when you attended parties at your sister’s Betty’s house in Wedgewood Park. They were wonderful happy times and I am delighted we had the opportunity to spend it with you. Rest in Peace Denis.
Sincerest of sympathies to Steve and family. So sorry I was unable to attend today but thinking of you as you’re going through this most difficult time, as our family did just a few years ago. Take care everyone. – Brian C.
To Jean and Family,
So sorry to hear of Denis’s passing. Unfortunately, we didn’t see the announcement in time to make it to the funeral home. He was great neighbour and was always there to give a helping hand over the years. Sending our deepest sympathies.
Jean and family, so sorry to hear of Denis’ passing. Please accept our sincere condolences during this difficult time. May your wonderful memories help to ease the loss. May he rest in peace.
To the Lawlor family, please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your loving Denis. May all your wonderful memories help you through this difficult time!
The Butler Family
Rosann, Marion & Catherine.
To the Lawlor family, please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your loved one. May all your wonderful memories help you through this difficult time!
The Butler Family
Rosann, Marion & Catherine.
We are so sorry to hear of Denis passing.
Our condolences to the Lawlor family.
Condolences to Jean and her family as you morn the loss of Dennis. I met Dennis many times at his brother’s Tom’s Place. He was a great person who always had an opinion on current events!
I hope all his wonderful memories will live on with his family and friends!
To Jean and Family,
We are truly saddened to learn of the passing of a great man. We met Dennis through the Airport Heights Residents Committee back in the late 1990’s when we settled there on McNiven Place, close to the park that now, rightfully bears his name. In a short time he became a friend and a joy and pleasure with whom we shared many pleasant moments. The passing years bring changes to our lives and we inevitably lose contact, but it was always a wonderful experience to occasionally meet at the supermarket or walking by his home and to exchange pleasantries and reminisce about past experiences regarding the old Committee. Surely, Airport Heights has lost a man who contributed so much to the wonderful community that it is today, and the future users of the beautiful recreation area will always be reminded of who Dennis Lawlor was and what he did for all. He will be greatly missed . Pease accept our sincere condolences.
Most sincerely: Eugene and Shirley Castella
I was a customer of Denis for many years when I worked with the NLTA and needed engraving. I always enjoyed chatting with him and appreciated the excellent work that he did. My deepest sympathy to the Lawlor family.
childhood memories of Dennis., and the antics of the Rowdies, always entertaining when getting trophies done at Lawlors .. Sending condolences to all his family and friends. Gone before you never from you.
We are saddened to hear the passing of a truly good man-a family friend, a wise, generous soul. He played a meaningful role in my life, especially during my father’s campaigns, where his guidance and unwavering support were instrumental.
He will be remembered.
Matthew (Allison) and Bridget Byrne
Jean and family,
We were so saddened to learn of Denis’ passing. He was a wonderful man who gave selflessly of himself to the community of Airport Heights and to everyone he knew. He was certainly instrumental in achieving many things for the residents of Airport Heights. He helped out anyone he could. I can you see you both having a dance together in the community centre in Airport Heights one Christmas. We have good memories of Denis, and will always remember him. He will be greatly missed, but will be fondly remembered for all of his good work in the community of Airport Heights and his commitment to others. Rest easy Denis.
To the Lawlor Family. I am very sorry for your loss.
Jodi Mahon
MUN Scholarships office
Jean and family sincere condolences on the passing of Denis, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Anne Kearsey
We are sending heartfelt condolences to Paul, Laura, and family. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Jennifer & Steve Murphy
So sorry for your loss, especially to Jean, and extended family. I know it’s hard but remember the times we had fellow Colliers Big Pond Rowdies!
Wes Osmond and family
I was a customer of Denis for a long time, and I still go to Paul when I need engraving work done.. Denis ran his business courteously and treated me with respect. Never short for words – often about the city and its issues – he could certainly express himself clearly, to say the least!
My best to Jean, Paul and family.
So sorry to hear of your loved ones passing. May you all find comfort in your memories.
Craig and Denyse Osmond
Jean and familyI I’m so sorry for your loss. Stan and I will carry the memories of our visit and stay with you both last summer. It was such a nice time. I am not able to be with you but will be able to see the service from here. I send you my heartfelt condolences.
Geri
Although I hadn’t seen my cousin Dennis in many years, he left a lasting impression—full of energy, humour, and charm. He was truly one of a kind. My heartfelt condolences to his children, his wife, and his grandchildren. Thinking of you all during this time.