Richard J. Lawler

Richard “Dick” Lawler, 88, of Phillipsburg, NJ, passed away peacefully while surrounded by his loving children on Friday, February 18, 2022.

Born on July 9, 1933, in Phillipsburg, NJ, he was the son of the late James and Julia (Huber) Lawler. Richard was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Mary Glenda Lawler, who passed away in 2019.

Richard graduated from Phillipsburg High School in 1951 and joined the United States Army, serving in Post War Germany. After his time in the Army, Richard went to work as a machinist for Ingersoll-Rand and worked there for 38 years until his retirement. After retiring Richard then worked for the Phillipsburg School District and the Great Meadows School District. Richard was a lifelong member of St. Philip and St. James Church and he was a member of both the Garnett Booster Club and the Italian American Social Club, where he enjoyed playing bocce. Richard was an avid fan of the Phillipsburg Stateliners, Penn State football and the New York Yankees, and he never missed his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. He also spent many years coaching local little league baseball teams.

Richard is survived by his children; Richard G. Lawler, of Bangor, PA, Julia Fortner and her husband, Randy, of Easton, PA, Tracy Meixsell and her husband, Carl, of Raritan, NJ, Todd Lawler and his wife, Michelle, of Gibsonia, PA and Jill Olexa and her husband, James, of Alpha, NJ, his grandchildren; Carl R., Bradley, Paige, Trevor, Gabriel, Ava, Evelyn, Reece, Austin and Amber and his many nieces and nephews, to whom he was known as “Uncle Dick”. In addition to his wife and his parents, Richard was predeceased by his brothers, Thomas and Paul Lawler and his sister, Mary Hosbach.

Viewing Hours are scheduled for Thursday, February 24, 2022, from 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM, at the Finegan Funeral Home, 302 Heckman Street, Phillipsburg, NJ. There is a Mass of Christian Burial then set for 10 AM the following day, Friday, February 25, 2022, at St. Philip and St. James Church, 430 S Main St, Phillipsburg, NJ, with the interment to follow at the St. Philip and St. James Cemetery, Greenwich Twp., NJ.

Donations may be made, in Richard’s name, to the St. Philip and St. James Church, 430 S Main St, Phillipsburg, NJ, 08865.