Obituary of Michael Paul Lawlor
May 15, 2026
Michael Paul Lawlor — husband, father, musician, baseball fan, traveler, and man of excellent wit — died suddenly on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the age of 50.
Mike was a devoted father who treasured time with his children above everything else. He was the parent who made sure the kids got where they needed to be and on time, who played video games with his son, let his daughter put makeup on him, and regularly played the guitar as an avid lover of music. He loved the Red Sox, and he had a dry sense of humor and quick wit that could turn an ordinary moment into something worth remembering.
Born in Alexandria, Louisiana, Mike spent much of his childhood in Maine, though Boston always felt like home. He found his people at Boston College, where he formed lasting friendships. After earning his MBA from Dartmouth College, he spent a few years working in Dubai, UAE and traveled extensively. Eventually, he returned to New York City, where he built the life he wanted and remained for the rest of his years.
Mike built a successful career in New York including many years at FreeWheel, where he served as COO. Most recently, he was proud to serve as President of Pipeline360.
He is survived by his wife, Serena Bhaduri; his children, Naveed and Athena; his parents, Paul and Carol (Ciotti) Lawlor; his brother, Bryan Lawlor; his sister, Elizabeth Lawlor; and many extended family members, old friends, and people who somehow became friends after talking with him for five minutes. He was preceded in death by his son, Insaan Lawlor, who died at seven weeks old, as well as his grandparents and several aunts and uncles.
He leaves behind a hole that will not be easily filled.
Michael’s children are still young, and one of the greatest gifts we can give them is a lasting collection of memories from the people who loved their dad. The family warmly invites friends and loved ones to share photos, videos, stories, voice notes, or memories — especially the funny, ordinary, joyful moments that capture who Michael was. Submissions can be shared here: bit.ly/mikelawlor
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mike's name to the Family Justice Center of Georgetown and Horry Counties (South Carolina) at http://bit.ly/FJC_donate
Funeral Services
Viewing
May 27, 2026
1:00PM to 4:00 PM
Crestwood Funeral Home
445 West 43rd Street
New York, NY 10036
Get DirectionsShare a Memory
The Obituaries are currently being upgraded. Please contact us to report any issues.
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.
Posted by: C. Anderson - Columbia, South Carolina - Neighbor May 19, 2026
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.
Posted by: Joe Cammarato - , - Coworker May 19, 2026