On 10/5/2024 William (Bill) Lawler lost his battle with Huntington’s disease, a battle he courageously fought for 15 years. Bill died as he wished, at home surrounded by the loves of his life – his wife Molly and his two daughters Maggie and Brigid. In addition Bill received endless support from Maggie’s husband, Jordan Seidel and Brigid’s fiancé, Brian Mulhern.
Bill was a Christmas surprise, born on 12/25/1956 in Auburn, NY – a place which holds cherished memories of a happy life with his younger brother, Ron, and his parents (now deceased) William and Betty. Bill and Molly continued close relationships in Auburn with friends and extended family members throughout the years.
After attending college at RIT Bill initially worked at St. Joseph’s Villa as a counselor for troubled youths. Soon after he embarked on a career in law enforcement, first with the Monroe County Sheriff’s department, and then with the Rochester Police Department. He served a total of 31 years and his career ran the gamut from patrol officer, to narcotics squad, homicide negotiator, and mounted (horse) patrol. Until his retirement in the fall of 2011 Bill served with honor, courage and pride alongside many fellow officers. Post-diagnosis, Bill was blessed to have many, many close friends who served as drivers, caregivers, entertainers and confidants. The family is forever grateful for their love and support.
Bill proposed to Molly at Dromoland Castle in Ireland. They were wed on October 12, 1991 and settled into an active life of service together – Molly as a nurse and Bill with the RPD. Once Maggie and Brigid were born life got even busier with Irish dancing, softball, track and field, volleyball and traveling to spend time with family.
Bill received a surprise diagnosis of Huntington’s disease in 2009 and the family spent the next 15 years dedicated to helping find a cure. Bill and numerous friends and family members organized and supported the “Bill Lawler Huntington’s 5K” for many years, with all $250,000 in proceeds dedicated to Huntington’s research.
The family would like to recognize the many incredible professional caregivers who helped support Bill (and family) towards the end of his life. We sincerely thank you for all you did—and for the kind and thoughtful way you did it. Bill died as he lived – a fighter until the very end.
Calling Hours will be held on Monday 10/14/2024 at Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (Egypt Location) 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Road (Fairport, NY) from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, 10/15/2024 at Saint Catherine of Siena Church 26 Mendon Ionia Road (Mendon, NY).
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Hereditary Disease Foundation (https://hdfoundation.org) to enable continued investment in the research of Huntington’s Disease and other hereditary diseases.
Comments
34 responses to “Lawler Jr., William J.”
Molly & Family,
We were saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. I only met him a few times, but from what I saw, and everything I heard from Brian and Serge as they regaled us with his stories, he was a truly great person. Please accept our heartfelt thoughts and prayers.
With love,
Daniele Turcotte and Barry Johnson
We are so very sorry for your loss. Bill fought a long, difficult battle. Molly, your love and care for Bill as well as the care from Maggie, Jordan, Brigid and Brian was unwavering and incredible. My prayers go out to all your family. We love you. The Curre Family. ❤️🙏🏻❤️
The Association of Rochester Police and Area Law Enforcement Retirees (ARPALER) sends condolences and prayers to the family of Inv. Bill Lawler, and we salute him for his service to his community. Rest in peace Brother.
Bill…I never got a chance to meet you. But I got to know you through the many stories I heard about from your brother. May you rest well and to the family, my sincere condolences.
Ron…my prayers are with you.💐
Al
Molly, Maggie, Jordan, Brigid, Brian, We are so very sorry for your loss. We have been fortunate to have had a brief but clear view into the Lawler family’s True Unconditional Love for one another. Your strength and relentless courage to fight this disease together 24/7 was beautiful. We know your Faith, your family, friendship and Love will get you through this heart breaking loss. We love you all
Molly, Maggie and Brigid, I’m so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was one of a kind and will be so missed. I will always cherish our memories with Bill and your family as neighbor besties. Those early years raising our kids will be ones I will never forget, the best!! Love to you all xoxoxo
I’m so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies to you and the family. Your friends still have you in their thoughts and prayers. Please reach out if I can help.
May God grant you the peace and grace to navigate these difficult times. Bill was a great an and you are a great family. In our prayers. Bob , Deb, KJ and. Alex – 💚
Dear Molly, Maggie, and Brigid,
We are sharing in your sadness as we remember the greatest fighter we’ve ever known. Our hearts are with you all during this incredibly difficult time.
Dear Molly and Family-
Bill was unique, with so many things to admire. But what I will always remember most, with both admiration and inspiration is how he faced his illness with such dignity, courage and even humor.
I wish you serenity and peace
Rich Barbano
To the Lawler Family. Bill was man I respected and as co-worker in the SCIS unit, who was very tenacious doing all of his investigations. I trusted him to have my back when warrants were executed. Bill was a hard worker at everything he did. He fought his battle for 15 years and he wanted to continue, but I believe the good Lord said it was time to come home. I will always remember him, and what a character he was. You will be missed. Bill RIP God Bless, and may God give the Lawler Family strength during this challenging time.
Molly
I am so sorry for your loss! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers
Rest well brother, you have earned it…
dear Molloy Maggi Brigid Sorry for your loss of Bill
My family and I feel very fortunate to known Bill. West his battle with Huningtons and observed his courage his Courage, Poise and Grace first hand.
We are so fortunate to have known Bill And his beautiful family.
Love Jack & Cindy Quinn
I have been friends with this beautiful family for over 15 years . I will never forget how happy Bill would be when I brought Bill spaghetti and meatballs especially the meatballs.Love and prayers to you all Love Mimi
Bill, you were a good man and Investigator. You will be missed. Go with God.
Dear Molly, Brigid and Maggie,
Bill was a special man and will be missed by many people. His dignity and sense of humor over the past several years was truly amazing. Your unwavering support of him and each other was equally remarkable.
Take care of yourselves and be at peace,
Peggy Bergin
We are so sorry to learn of Bill’s passing. Our hearts and prayers are with all of you.
Monica, Emily, Sarah, and Cameron
Molly, Maggie and Brigid- Kalcy, Dj and I are so sorry to learn of Bill’s passing. You all gave us such support when Denny died and we are here for you all for anything you might need. Bill is up there sitting in the palm of God’s hand getting reacquainted with the ones who have gone before him. We are holding all of you in our hearts.
We are heart broken to hear Bill passed away. He can rest now. Growing up he was a beautiful boy, we have so many memories of Bill! I just hugged him in my heart!
Bill was a protector of Rochesterians and defender of all things Irish. In the early days of political correctness he took the editorial staff of Ganett to the woodshed when one of their reporters referred to a Police vehicle as a PADDY WAGON, a term offensive to Irish.
Well played and very eloquent.
Rest in Peace Bill.
Back in the 1990’s had the enjoyment of working numerous joint RPD/NYSP investigations with Billy. A few of these cases took us to locations like CAPE COD..CANADA and even the backwood hills of Pennsylvania. Billy was an excellent and successful cop… but even more a TRUE FRIEND who was fun to be around with. May you rest in peace old buddy
Molly, my thoughts are with you and your daughters. Bill, as your partner in the Major Crimes Unit, I have many fond memories both on and off the job. I think I still have those Notre Dame shirts you brought back for me from some of those Notre Dame football games you attended. Thank you for your professionalism and most importantly your friendship. Rest in Peace Brother.
Molly,Maggie, Brigid and family. So sorry to hear about Bill sending you all love and prayers and continued strength. What a wonderful job you did caring for him all these years. May he RIP and your fond memories give you peace 💙
Molly, Maggie and Bridget or as Billy used to refer to you guys as his roommates, you have my deepest sympathy. I think I knew Billy for over 56 years and in each of those years he always gave more than he received. Bill always had a twinkle in his eyes when he would talk about the Lawler girls. I will miss him forever but I will also keep all the memories, and that’ll keep a smile on my face. You fought the good fight now rest in peace my dear friend
Billy was a great guy who distinguished himself as a police officer and lived his life with grace and dignity. Our thoughts and prayers are with Molly, Maggie and Brigid. We hope that he is at peace and with our Lord.
Bill was a friend, mentor, leader, and inspiration to all of his brother Hibernians. Our grief at his passing is tempered by the knowledge that he now at peace and free of pain with God, the angels and saints, and the loved ones that have gone on before us. Requiescat in pace.
To the Lawler family,
Bill and I both worked with your beloved Bill on the job. He was a dedicated member of RPD who had an inspiring work ethic. He also knew how to enjoy the good times, and I remember how much he enjoyed sharing his knowledge of Ireland and the Irish people with us.
May you find peace in the loving memories he left with all of you and may his memory always be a blessing.
Bill King and Judy Tripp-Neu
To the Lawler family,
Bill and I both worked with your beloved Bill on the job. He was a dedicated member of RPD who had an inspiring work ethic. He also knew how to enjoy the good times, and I remember how much he enjoyed sharing his knowledge of Ireland and the Irish people with us.
May you find peace in the loving memories he left with all of you and may his memory always be a blessing.
Bill King and
I would like to send my sincere condolences to the Lawler Family. Bill was a true friend and colleague whose opinions and comments I trusted. His professionalism and compassion was a hallmark and it motivated others.
Rest in peace, my friend.
There are few things more fun than having a Bill Lawler poured Guinness at Caverly’s Irish bar. Bill, very close friends with my brother, loved being part of each and every pour. Sincere condolences to his family, who truly feel the loss.
Molly, Maggie and Brigid- I am so, so sorry to hear of this. I think the world of all of you, and I hope that you can remember the good times and amazing person that we were all lucky to know. Thinking of all of you
-Eric Dahlstrom and family
Our deepest condolences to the Lawler Family on the passing of Bill.I had the pleasure to work with Bill in the Vice Squad. He was a great Guy and an excellent Police Officer. Bill and the Lawler Family will be in our prayers. Rest in peace Brother.
Lawler Family:
I knew Bill many years ago in the late 80’s to mid-90’s…mostly running into each other at Prepp’s. He regaled us with great stories about his job and how they always fooled the bad guys. Loved his look during his days in narcotics…around when you married if I recall. We lost touch when I moved out of town. I will always remember him as a great, fun guy that was always willing to help anyone with anything.
He and your family will be in our prayers.
Ken