Obituary of Michael Paul Lawlor

To The Family, Please Accept My Heartfelt Condolences. Truly the loss of a precious loved one is most difficult. Please find comfort in the promise our most loving Heavenly Father Jehovah God gives us in Revelation 21:4"And He will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more; neither will mourning; nor outcry; nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." Yes, We can look forward to a time soon to come when all suffering including death will be done away with forever.

Mike was always incredibly kind and helpful to me. Being so successful and down to earth at the same time was something I strongly looked up to. We shared chats about music, guitars specifically, but getting to nerd out with him about amps, sound effects, and more is something I think back on and smile about. Specifically, I remember talking about Mike’s Vox VT40 amp and how he bought it on a whim in some store, but he couldn’t use it properly because the thing was a space machine with a bunch of different colored blinking lights. Mike told me “you know the worst thing is, I can’t use it because I’m colorblind”, to which I was cracking up. Such a funny story. He offered me that amp and I wish I took him up on that to have something to remember him by. Outside of always finding something to chat about given our love for music, he was a huge part of the reason I got my current role at freewheel. I called him as soon as I got a scheduled interview and Mike took the time to talk through the role and how he thinks I can best position myself for it. He also took the time to text me about it on various nights. His generosity and kind spirit is something I hope to bring with me and echo as I continue my life and career. Mike will be missed dearly.

Oh man, this is a tough read. I had coffee with Mike just a few weeks ago and he was in great spirits. I've known Mike for 13 years - we met at Univision, working on the Digital business together. He was a great teammate and we became friends and stayed in touch after we both left. Mike was smart and funny. Always made me laugh at work. I felt like the last year or so, Mike was back and I was looking forward to hearing his adventures in his new role which he was so excited about. My thoughts go out to his family. I know he will look over you.

Mike’s Unforgettable Humor and Friendship Mike’s dry sense of humor and quick wit will always be remembered. Although we hadn’t seen each other in nearly thirty years, we stayed in touch over the years by exchanging messages on numerous occasions. Recently, I congratulated him on his new role at Pipeline, and he responded in his typical fashion—thanking me and joking that he was still searching for his toothbrush. This playful comment was quintessentially Mike, the kind of remark he would make even after decades apart. The Toothbrush Story: A Lasting Memory To truly appreciate the significance of the toothbrush reference, you have to go back to the spring of 1997. One afternoon, while brushing my teeth, I accidentally knocked Mike’s toothbrush onto the floor. Instead of simply picking it up and putting it back, I mischievously kicked it under the bathroom sink. Almost instantly, I heard Mike’s booming voice from a few feet away: “Hey, I saw that.” He was in the TV room and, thanks to a mirror positioned between the hallway and the bathroom, had witnessed the whole thing. Mike confronted me, rightfully asking why I had done it. At first, I tried to deny it, but soon confessed to being a terrible roommate. We both ended up laughing about it, and Mike would always know the perfect moment to bring up that memory.

Mike’s Unforgettable Humor and Friendship Mike’s dry sense of humor and quick wit will always be remembered. Although we hadn’t seen each other in nearly thirty years, we stayed in touch over the years by exchanging messages on numerous occasions. Recently, I congratulated him on his new role at Pipeline, and he responded in his typical fashion—thanking me and joking that he was still searching for his toothbrush. This playful comment was quintessentially Mike, the kind of remark he would make even after decades apart. The Toothbrush Story: A Lasting Memory To truly appreciate the significance of the toothbrush reference, you have to go back to the spring of 1997. One afternoon, while brushing my teeth, I accidentally knocked Mike’s toothbrush onto the floor. Instead of simply picking it up and putting it back, I mischievously kicked it under the bathroom sink. Almost instantly, I heard Mike’s booming voice from a few feet away: “Hey, I saw that.” He was in the TV room and, thanks to a mirror positioned between the hallway and the bathroom, had witnessed the whole thing. Mike confronted me, rightfully asking why I had done it. At first, I tried to deny it, but soon confessed to being a terrible roommate. We both ended up laughing about it, and Mike would always know the perfect moment to bring up that memory. I’ll remember Mike very fondly. My most heartfelt condolences go out to all of his family, especially his wife and children.

I love you Mike. Serena and family I am so sorry for your loss. Mike loved you all so much and will forever be part of who you all are. Sending my deepest sympathies and love to you, your children, and all of the family.

I worked with Mike many years ago and we stayed in touch. He was a lovely person and it’s such a sad loss.

I had the pleasure of beings Mikes roommate freshman year at Boston College. I will remember his love of music and the internal debates between our other Roommate Stan. The debate was between heavy metal bands and it was hilarious. We reconnected briefly on social media and I was so impressed with his accomplishments. I will remember Mike as a very humble man and not surprised that he was a great husband and father. My prayers are with his family! Aloha Mike! Chad

Extending our deepest sympathies to the Lawlor family on your untimely loss.

We are deeply saddened to hear about the sudden loss of Mike. Although we only met him once, we remember him as a warm and kind person. Sending you and your family love, strength, and heartfelt condolences during this incredibly difficult time. Moyna, Job and Lucca

I remember Michael as an extremely bright, generous, competent, and kindhearted person. He adored his children. He loved, comforted, and walked his aging dog and was lovely with my dog. He was considerate to his elderly father-in-law. He helped me when I couldn’t open my old windows. He was always courteous, chatting whenever I saw him. Wishing his children and widow all the best. Condolences to his parents and family.

Mike was many things: a loving father, a devoted husband, a grateful son. But one thing he was not: a good poker player. I never actually played poker with Mike, but I can imagine exactly how it would go. With a good hand, his right leg would start shaking with nervous energy - a tell so obvious even I could spot it. And God forbid some beginner made an ill-advised bet that somehow paid off. That kind of capricious senselessness overwhelmed Mike’s sense of order. We all know what would come next: a pause, a roll of the eyes, and then a long “comeeeeeee onnnnn.” There are whiteboards and nicknames and a million stories. We had just finished a busy week in Boston, and I asked Mike if he wanted to grab a quick drink before we both headed home. As we sat there, I was teasing him about that leg shaking during the board meeting. But all Mike wanted to talk about was his family. He told me about Naveed playing guitar, and how before a big performance Mike could see Naveed’s leg start to shake too. He told me Athena was his spirit animal - that she had the courage to be who he was on the inside, bending the world to her will. And he would always say Serena was the yin to his yang: “She understands things that make no sense to me.” That’s the Mike we will all miss. That’s the Mike I’ll always remember.

I met Mike at the spring festival of kindergarten year and Penelope, my daughter, has never stopped talking about how he is the best at pushing the swing. Penelope loves Athena dearly. And I wish you all healing and peace during this terrible time. He was stop. a great man and will be terribly missed.

I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing. Mike was a tremendous partner to me during that era of my career—an advisor, a trusted sounding board, and someone I could always turn to with the “stupid” questions. More importantly, he was someone who always had my back. In an industry that can often be demanding and unforgiving, Mike approached every situation as a human being first. He led with empathy, kindness, humility, and genuine concern for others. Beyond work, we bonded over music, particularly our shared appreciation for the band HUM and their album You'd Prefer an Astronaut. I still think of our conversations whenever I put that record on. The songs carry an extra meaning now, especially “Stars.” May he rest in power while he’s forever “out back counting stars.” Fitting for someone who brought so much light to those around him. My deepest condolences to the Lawlor family, friends, and everyone whose life he touched. Mike will be fondly remembered.

This is still so hard for me to believe. My deepest condolences to Mike’s family. I had a hard time filling out the “relationship” field and ultimately chose “Friend,” even though I never met Mike in person and only spoke with him through a couple of long video calls and texts. I graduated from Tuck 13 years after Mike and had reached out to him for advice while recruiting in the advertising industry. I was genuinely touched by his kindness, generosity, and willingness to help someone he barely knew. He went far beyond what I expected, even taking the time to write a recommendation letter for me. Even after I started the role, he would still check in occasionally and share updates about Naveed’s Tae Kwon Do practices since I had done Tae Kwon Do as well. Those conversations stayed with me. Mike left a lasting impression on me in a very short amount of time, and I can only imagine how many others experienced that same generosity from him. I hope his legacy lives on through the countless people he helped and cared for. My heart goes out to Serena and the kids.

Mike was a great friend and an amazing coworker. He was instrumental getting AudienceExpress to the finish line among many other accomplishments.

Hello to all of Mike's family and friends visiting this memory book. There is a significant community of Mike's friends and former colleagues from his days working here at MA House Committee on Ways and Means and then in public safety at the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (official acronym is EOPSS, and in Mike's view, sometimes EOOPS), and we all are talking and sharing our Lawlor stories. All those that worked with him remember his intelligence, his hilarious and profane wit, his passion for public service and for doing things the right way. I was part of a text chain with Mike and another former colleague and friend, and we would check in about once a month. He was so proud of his wife and children. We are struggling with this sudden loss, and thinking of his wife and children during this terrible time.

My deepest condolences to Mike’s family. He was a very kind humble and human leader. I remember his human approach and empathy towards others during his time at freewheel where we worked together. My sincere prayers and thoughts are with the family. May you find strength during this difficult time.

I'm extremely saddened to hear about Mike. He was an absolute class act and pleasure to work with during our years at Univision Communications. I will pray for Mike and his family. Rest in peace, Mike.

My deepest condolences to Michael’s family. I was stunned and saddened to hear of his passing. I worked with Mike in MA state government - we survived several leadership changes at our office, and at one point were 2 of only 3 staffers left after one such change. He had an incredible wit, and his office was more like a living room, where people came to hang out. They were there to laugh and enjoy his company, but they also leaned on him for advice as he was one of the smartest people in that office. We stayed in touch after we both moved on to other jobs, part of a 3 person text chain with a fellow colleague. The texts go back years, and are filled with memories of our time together at EOPS, but also talk about his family and his children. He was a constant source of support, offering helpful advice during a time when I was changing careers. He is missed, and my thoughts are with his family.

Hearing of Mike's passing felt almost unreal. I am sending such love to his family. Mike was a friend at Boston College and played in The Roofgoats with some of the best young men I met at BC. Importantly someone who had an intelligent response always. I respected him among our classmates. Mike was always calm yet playful. I remember our final ball senior year at a mansion down in Newport and all of us dressed in 1920's style, some silly inside joke and all of us bent over double. with laughter. His quips. were. infamous! For all the raw energy of the band, and his fantastic riffs. - he always kept watch over those of us coming to. cheer them on in the wild evenings across the bars in Boston. In particular I always admired the close friendship. those guys had. I am sure all his friends and family know that deliberate yet playful side he had. He was a joy to know and always brought smiles to everyone around him.i wanted to write so his children can hear just what an impact his life had on us all. I have no doubt you were the delight of his life.

I was deeply saddened to hear of Mike's passing. While we only briefly worked together for a few months, I will remember him for his thoughtfullness and concern of those he was managing. He made it a point in his first team meeting to emphasize that we are all people with our own personal lives and families and at the end of the day the work we do is not all of who we are. May Peace be with his family in this time.