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Richard Lawlor Obituary
Richard James Lawlor, JD, PhD
70, Born July 20, 1942 in Waterbury Connecticut, to the late Richard Henry and Margaret Mary Lawlor (Reilly), passed away on December 30, 2012. He received his B.A. from St. Mary's Seminary and University in 1964 with a Philosophy major, his Ph. D. in Psychology from Catholic University of America in 1970, and completed his postdoctoral fellowship in 1972 at the Department of Psychiatry at the Indiana University School of Medicine, where he stayed to lead a long and distinguished career progressing from Assistant Professor to Clinical Associate Professor before becoming Emeritus Associate Professor until the time of his passing. He also received his J.D. (Magna Cum Laude) from Indiana University School of Law in 1979. His role at the medical center was multi-faceted and his passion for teaching was evident with long-standing mentoring of medical residents (including an Arthur B. Richter Scholar), medical students, law students, and undergraduates. His writings were prolific in the field of Forensic Psychology and will help guide the next generation of practitioners. His administrative work included service in various positions such as the Board of Directors for the Indiana Psychological Association, and as Chairman of the Indiana Psychological Association. Richard received numerous academic and professional honors including the Sagamore of the Wabash. His work doing custody evaluations is nationally known. Among many other consultation and volunteer services, he was loyal to Pleasant Run Children's Home where he trained staff who worked with children inpatients for over 20 years. Nick's Chili on Thursdays was also a requirement for he and his colleagues. In "retirement" he worked full time in private practice in Nashville, Indiana.
He not only gave back to his community with his profession, but also with his free time at the Mason Lodge (Worshipful Master 2007), Brown County YMCA Board of Directors, and as President of the Brown County Rotary Club 2012 where he set record collections for the Salvation Army with the help of his toddler grandchildren.
Richard loved to golf, travel, read, and share his passion for history with his son, Dr. John Lawlor (Patricia), which his daughter, Dr. Ann-Marie Hyatt (Stuart), was unable to grasp. She, however, shared his love for sports and made the former Connecticut State Champion Swimmer proud of her in various other sports. His two formerly mentioned children, their mother, Marie Lawlor (Mina), along with their spouses and combined 6 grandchildren will miss him deeply.
He is survived by his loving wife, Robyn Lawlor (Gipson), his Mother-in-law, Dolores Gipson, his Father-in-law, Bob Gipson and his three step-daughters Ginny Babbitt, Joy Lawlor, and Bobbi Monroe who will miss his love, support, and infectious humor. All of Nashville will miss Richard's constant smile and easy going spirit.
Richard is also survived by his brother Bernard Lawlor (Elaine) and Francis Lawlor, countless nieces, nephews, and their children.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Richard's life on Friday, January 4 and Saturday January 5, 2013. Viewing and visitation is from 4pm- 8pm this Friday at Bond-Mitchell Funeral Home, 1682 State Road 135 North, Nashville, IN, 47448. Funeral services, mass, and burial will begin at 11am on Saturday, Jan 5 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1008 McLary Road, Nashville, IN, 47448.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gipson-Lawlor Scholarship (High School Teacher of the Year) or the Brown Country Rotary Club. Both of these can be made through the Brown County Community Foundation, P. O. Box 191, Nashville, IN 47448.
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Lawlor
Carole Baker RN
February 13, 2013
I was Dr. Lawlor's patient as a teenager over 30 years ago. He had a profound, positive impact on my life, as he no doubt did countless others. He continued to be a friend and resource into my adulthood, and as I raised my children. I am deeply saddened to know he has left this world that was bettered by his genius and selflessness. My most heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.
Debbie Sirosky
January 14, 2013
Meeting Dr. Lawler; eased my mind along with giving me the backbone to make a decision that proved to be the right one! I was referred to him by a prominent attorney that said Dr. Lawler's words were as good as gold! My condolences to his family and friends. Prayers to each of you.
Linda Brown
January 12, 2013
Mrs. Lawlor,
I would like to express sympathy at the loss of your husband, Richard. I am the woman who returned his IU class ring, and am now even happier to know I did the right thing and brought a small joy into his life with the return of a lost momento. His gift in return was not necessary, but greatly appreciated. We had a nice dinner.
I lost my mother in June of this year on Father's Day so I can empathize with your sadness. She was 80 and had a long life with us.
It appears he was an awesome man who loved and had a very loving family & friends.
Sincerely sorry for your loss.
Linda Brown
Robyn Lawlor
January 10, 2013
My darling, darling husband. Oh how I hope you know how much you meant to me, how much you are/were loved. I fell in love with you the first time I met you. I loved your wit, your wisdom, your compassionate heart & your silly smile. I so miss your goofy jokes, laughing at our favorite sitcoms, and enjoying a glass of wine together. I would love to be "bored" by your constant history lessons, and watching the History Channel with you just to be in the same room. A big part of me died with you. You were admired and respected by so many people. You left us too soon, but I feel your presence all around me. Our precious memories will always be cherished as long as I am alive. Thank you for being such a devoted loving husband.
Joseph Dorflinger
January 8, 2013
Deepest Sympathies from A St Thomas and St. Mary's Classmate and teammate at St. Thomas Joe Dorflinger Class of1964 from Meriden,Ct now Saratoga Springs,NY
January 6, 2013
classy obit
Robert Shive
January 5, 2013
A true professional who mixed his experience and insight with genuine caring for the children and families with whom he dealt...I had the privilege of working with Dr. Lawlor many times. My condolences to his family.
Mary Reynolds
January 5, 2013
Dr. Lawlor and I became acquainted 38 years ago when he was at Riley Children's Hospital working with abused children and when I was a Vigo County deputy prosecutor. We became friends and worked on numerous custody cases over the years. He was a wonderful human being and his life is an inspiration to all of us. He worked hard in his professional life and devoted the same energy and love to his personal life. He will be missed by all who knew him. His family are in my thoughts and prayers.
MaryAnn Klopfenstein
January 5, 2013
My deepest condolences to Dick's family. We were high school classmates for four years. We caught up on the 50 years since at our reunion in 2010. He was really enjoying life. Sorry to see him gone so young.
john proffitt
January 4, 2013
I have known Dick for many many years professionally. As a lawyer I have used Dick probably 100 times as an expert, both as an evaluator and as a witness. He was amazingly competent and I feel fortunate to have been able to use his services. Many families are happier today because of his intervention. I regret his passing.
Mick Welling
January 4, 2013
Dick was one of all-time favorite teachers & mentors in my career. He was so down-to-earth, common-sense driven. He taught me so much, more than he would ever know. I regularly reflect back on our supervision sessions for his sage advice & guidance. What a great loss; I will miss him very much. He will always hold a special place in my heart.
Helio Perez
January 4, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the family of my very good friend: Richard
Deborah (Kubley) Julian
January 4, 2013
I knew Dr. Lawler as a custody evaluator in many cases I was involved in. His passing is a tremendous loss to the legal community. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.
Louis Parrillo
January 4, 2013
My condolences and deep sympathy go out to the Lawlor family. Dick and I were friends at Sacred Heart High and two years ago I had a wonderful time getting reacquainted with him at our high school reunion. He had not lost any of his great spirit and wonderful sense of humor over the last 50 years. He was a great person and will very much be missed.
January 4, 2013
It was my priviledge to be one the many interns who benefitted from Dick's wisdom, professionalism and humanity. I am now and always be grateful for having known him. May his soul rest in peace. Rev. Mark-David Janus, CSP., Ph.D.
Amber Berninger
January 4, 2013
We send our sympathy to the family of Dr Lawlor. Our family will remain forever grateful of the work he provided for us last year. We know of one very special girl whom his practice served as life changing, and perhaps life saving. May the family be lifted in faith and grounded by memories, and know that his time on Earth was well served.
Melissa Volk
January 3, 2013
I met Dr. Lawlor while interviewing for our child custody evaluation this past summer. He was very professional and had a knack to make us feel comfortable and completely at ease during the day long process. Our deepest sympathy and most heartfelt prayers to the family for strength in the upcoming days, weeks and months.
Philip Coons
January 3, 2013
In 1972 when Dick was starting his psychology internship at IUMC I was starting my psychiatry residency. Two years later he supervised me at the Riley Child Psychiatry Clinic. Fast forward to the late 1990s and we practiced together in the Forensic Psychiatry Clinic. I have always valued Dick's friendship and wise counsel. I shall miss our meetings at conferences where we always shared family stories and talked shop. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.
Paul Schneider
January 3, 2013
Debbie, Lucas and I are sorry for your loss; just another psychologist checking in to pay my props - he certainly had an enthusiasm for teaching and (from internship days) an ability to kick back with his students as well. May the Lord comfort each of you during this time.
January 3, 2013
Our sincere sympathy to Dick's family. It was so good to see him at the Sacred Heart High School 50th reunion. Nick and Pat (Pettine) Diorio, Morris, CT
Judy Tilton
January 3, 2013
Allow me to express my sincere sympathy to Dick's family and friends in the wake of his loss. I first met Dick nearly 30 years ago. During some 14 years as his client he was unfailingly warm, compassionate and supportive. I can truthfully say he helped save my life more than once and I will be grateful to him as long as I live. He was a wonderful human being and I will miss him. His family has lost a truly remarkable man, but I hope you can take some comfort from the good he accomplished in his lifetime.
Cynthia Marcus
January 3, 2013
Dr. Lawlor was a caring, insightful and humorous guy who taught me much about families in transition. He was a strong advocate who will be dearly missed by the legal community. My thoughts and prayers are with Robyn and his family.
Jeff Davis
January 3, 2013
One of my first supervisors during my internship at Riley in 1974, and a friend ever since. His counsel and advice will be missed. My condolences to his entire family.
January 3, 2013
Dick and I were partners taking the mediation course many years ago. We became good friends and continued that friendship though the years. He spoke at seminars, when I was the Chair of the Family Law Section and was an exceptional speaker. I used his services often and still have pending cases where he is the Court ordered evaluator. We never got to play that round of golf we promised each other two months ago. Dick, you will be missed. Rest in Peace, my friend. Mark McNeely
John Patterson
January 3, 2013
For those of us who have had to go through a custody evaluation like myself a true friend has been lost. Dr. Lawlor was able to see reality and wanted what was best for children. Words cannot express the amount of gratitude and appreciation that I have for him. He gave me back my biggest joy in life, my daughter Tatiana. May God bless you Dr. Lawlor!
January 3, 2013
Sympathy and prayers for Marie and all of Dick's family. He was a wonderful, warm man with a great smile, a dedicated advocate for children, and all-around good guy. He'll be missed!
Deb Farmer Smith
Jason Hopper
January 3, 2013
I only knew Richard in the context of child custody evaluations, but can say he was an excellent advocate for children and a great helper of families in transition. His work will be missed in the legal community. My condolences to Robyn and the rest of his family.
Dr. Randall Krupsaw
January 3, 2013
I was one of Dr. Lawlor's interns thirty years ago, and since then I've been a grateful colleague. I will deeply miss conferring with him about cases, reminiscing with him about the good ole' internship days, and just catching up with him at conferences. He helped a great many people through his training and services. He will be sorely missed by the entire professional community. My sincere condolences to his family.
January 3, 2013
Dick was a good friend and a respected colleague. Our offices were down the hall from each other at Riley for years, and we talked and laughed daily. I'm saddened to hear of his passing and wish I were in Indiana to attend his visitation. So very, very sad. My prayers and love to the whole family. Judi Campbell
Tammy Minger
January 3, 2013
Dr. Lawlor was a wonderful human being and well-respected custody evaluator. He will be sorely missed by the legal community as well as by myself and my husband, as we enjoyed seeing him and Robin at Chateau Thomas events.
Arlene Brooks
January 2, 2013
Our sympathy and condolences to Dick's family in this sudden loss. I especially remember Ann-Marie and John as youngsters and their mother Marie who is a long time friend and neighbor. With sympathy to others in his family in Nashville and those family and friends who are near and far.
Alan Goldberg
January 1, 2013
Dick was my mentor and colleague. He was my supervisor during my clinical psychology internship, and later wrote one of my letters of recommendation when I applied to law school. We were in touch through the years, including through our annual holiday greetings (I had received greetings from him quite recently). I was shocked to hear from Robyn about his passing, and am greatly saddened. We broke bread regularly, during the internship year and beyond (along with Lady the dog, Katie the cat, Ann-Marie, John, Marie and others), and more recently when he did an APA site visit in my home city. We always visited when I made periodic trips to Indiana. I will miss his wit, candor, wise counsel, and friendship. My condolences go out to Robyn and all of Dick's family. Robyn will be sent the responses I have gotten from those I know who knew Dick and responded to my notices to them of his passing.
Mickey Frost
December 31, 2012
Richard made me feel very welcome when we moved here 8 years ago. He was a very good man and I will indeed miss him. May God be with his family and friends in their time of sorrow.
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