James P. Lawler
January 30, 1934-February 2, 2023
Jim passed away comfortably and peacefully at home surrounded by his family. He was 89, having just celebrated his birthday on Monday of the week of his passing. He is predeceased by his son, Patrick. He is survived by his wife of 60 years Anita (Witzel), his daughter, Ann Wool, his cherished grandchildren, Christopher (CJ) and Erin Wool, sister Mary Donlon, sisters-in-law Joan Witzel and Sue Witzel, brother-in-law Ed Witzel (Kitty), and many nieces and nephews.
Jim was the son of Nora McGuane and James Lawler. He grew up on the west side of Rochester; graduating from West High School. After high school, Jim worked at Haloid (now Xerox) before enlisting in the Navy. He served for four years many of which were on the USS Intrepid aircraft carrier. Upon returning to Rochester, he enrolled and graduated from St. John Fisher University achieving a degree in Accounting. Jim worked in Finance his entire career at Touche Ross, Page Avjet (Rochester and Orlando), and Wilmorite.
After retiring, Jim continued as a devout Catholic and went to mass daily. He alternated between St. Catherine of Siena and Our Lady of Lourdes and bonded with his group of friends there. He also enjoyed golf, having lunch with his westside friends, spending time with his grandchildren, and volunteering with the Friends of Strong (20 years). (https://pragermetis.com/)
If you were in Jim’s circle of friends and family, he never hesitated to tell you how much he adored his wife, the smile on his face told you how genuinely happy he was to see you, he never said a bad word about anyone, and he always had a story (or two, or ten) to share.
Dad, grandpa – May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 26 Mendon Ionia Rd, Mendon NY on Thursday, February 16th at 11:00AM. Interment will be held privately with arrangements entrusted to Keenan Funeral Home. Those wishing may make donations to St. Catherine of Siena Church or St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center.
Comments
9 responses to “Lawler, James P.”
A beautiful remembrance for a wonderful man. My heart is with you all this week
Farewell to a classmate (St, John Fisher University) and a good friend.. A lot of laughs and good times over 60+ years I will miss you.
sorry to hear about Jim he was a good man RIP
He and Anita came to my dad’s wake in June. Pretty sure there’s some fun up there now!! (Nancy Thiele)
I remember Jim from our days at Wilmorite. He was a wonderful man. Many fond memories.
Jim was a dedicated friend and volunteer at Friends of Strong, Strong Memorial Hospital for over 10 years. His quick wit and (very) dry sense of humor was one of the many things that made us enjoy having him here. Rest in Peace, Jim. You will be missed.
Such a ready smile and hearty laugh! Enjoyed the time we had and reading this loving tribute to a generous man. Will miss you dearly Uncle Jim.
I met Jim a long time ago when I built his house. Jim would find me for a little. Chitchat. He usually hit me up for a smoke. A true gentleman. RIP James P Lawler. I always called him that
Anita , Jim always said hello to me when I was working at the Penfield Library.. Always that beautiful smile. I remember our many dinners out and our trip to Schenectady when the “boys were working together. My thoughts are with you..