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.
Leave a Reply