Richard "Dick" Lawless, 92, passed quickly and peacefully on November 17, 2025, no doubt with the same stubborn determination he brought to everything in life. Born January 28, 1933, to Thomas and Eleanor Lawless (Studsky), Dick lived a full, spirited life built on hard work, loyalty, and a heart that was far softer than the gruff exterior he never bothered to hide.

Dick served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, an experience he didn't often mention. After his service, he earned his MBA and enjoyed a long career as a Nabisco salesman. He also spent time teaching as an adjunct instructor, where his perpetual gruffness and unexpectedly tender heart balanced out in a way only Dick could pull off.

A lifelong volunteer, Dick gave countless hours to Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, Master Gardeners, and to preparing dinners for Immaculate Conception Church. He showed up wherever he was needed, though always in his own uncompromising style.

He enjoyed gardening, golf, dining out, hosting dinner parties, attending the theater, and traveling. Dick also took enormous joy in cars, especially Jaguars, which he admired with the same intensity he brought to every passion.

Dick loved good food, good company, and a good argument. His sharp one-liners, unwavering opinions, and no-nonsense presence made him unforgettable. Beneath all that, he was incredibly caring and sensitive, he just packaged it in a voice that sounded like sandpaper.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Domenica "Mamie" Lawless (Battaglia), in 2020. Dick was by her side every day in her final years as she battled Parkinson's, a testament to his unwavering devotion. He was also preceded in death by his sister Mary Denness and brother Tommy Lawless.

Dick is survived by his five children: Joseph Lawless (Joni), Marie Stowe, Theresa Killingsworth (Brad), Michael Lawless (Cheryl), and Chris Lawless (Jay Young).

He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Tara Lacio (Dany), Matt Stowe, Peter Lawless (Alexis), Logan Killingsworth (Erin), Courtney Stowe, Brett Killingsworth (Erin), Kyle Killingsworth, Ryan Lawless, and Audrey Lawless-Young, and five great-grandchildren.

He leaves behind a family who loved him, learned from him, and will certainly miss his opinions, always delivered gruffly, consistently, and with a surprising amount of love tucked inside.

Funeral mass will be held Friday, December 5, at 12:30 at Immaculate Conception. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to plant something in your garden, enjoy a good meal with people you love, or say exactly what's on your mind, Dick would have appreciated that.