Dick John R. Lawson

NASHUA-Dick (John Richard) Lawson, 77, died peacefully at his home on Tuesday, July 16, 2019 with his beloved wife and best friend of 56 years, Lillian (Cabana) Lawson by his side.

Dick was born in Lowell, Massachusetts on October 22, 1941 and was the son of the late Ralph and Loretta (Dyer) Lawson.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War until he was honorably discharged in December of 1967.  He was a lifetime member of the VFW and the DAV.

For 37 years, Dick was employed as a mechanical design engineer for MIT/Lincoln Lab until his retirement.

Dick was a special individual who would do anything for anyone.  His beautiful smile and contagious laughter brought joy to all around him.  Dick loved to travel with his best friend and wife Lillian and covered all 50 states.  He enjoyed cruises, camping, kayaking, fishing, woodworking, automotive, and dancing.  He would try anything with a smile on his face but his most favorite activity was camping at Fort Wilderness at Walt Disney World which he did every year.  Above all, he cherished time spent with his wife and people who became his family.

In addition to his wife, Lillian, he is survived by his two siblings, Ralph Lawson of Atkinson, NH and Russell Lawson and his wife Mary of Florida, as well as many nieces and nephews.  Dick was also blessed to have been adopted as a grandfather by Tammy Parent of Gilford, Cassie, Cami, and Cory Toribio of Pittsburg, PA, Cole and Cody Gallant of Brookline

Relatives and friends are invited to Dick’s visitation on Sunday, July 28th from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm at ANCTIL-ROCHETTE & SON FUNERAL HOME, 21 Kinsley Street, Nashua. His Funeral Service will take place in the Funeral Home during visitation at 3:45 PM. Interment will take place in the New Hampshire Veteran’s Cemetery in Boscawen, NH on Monday, July 29th at 2:00 pm.  Kindly meet at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dick’s name to the American Cancer Society. P.O. Box 2478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. 

A celebration of his life will be held in October to coincide with his birthday.  Details will follow at a later date.

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