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1931
2017
Michael James Lawless
Michael passed away October 16th, 2017. He was born August 16th, 1931, in Culver City, CA. He served as a proud Veteran in the U.S. Navy from 1950-1953. He married his sweetheart Barbara Ann Garvey on August 23rd, 1952. They moved to Pomona, CA in 1954 and then moved to Phoenix, AZ in 1975.
He is survived by his sister, Julie LaCroix Miles (George); his children: Theresa Gingg (Conrad), Kevin (Debi), Megan Heckel (Wylie), Erin Werner (Philip), Sean (Connie), Frank (Debbie), Timothy (Shannon), Bridget Evangelista (Warlito), and Mary Nesteruck (Tony); 22 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and many other wonderful family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara and their infant son Dennis.
He will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts. Graveside services will held on Friday, November 3rd, 2017 at 11am; West Resthaven Cemetery, 6450 W. Northern Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of the Valley or the American Diabetes Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by West Resthaven Funeral Home.
November 15, 2017
Grandchild
Michael Gingg
The smell of a tobacco pipe will always remind me of my wonderful grandfather. I have fond memories of visiting my grandparents in the summer time on 29th ave, and even when Eric and I would do destructive things, he would chuckle about it. One Malapai dr, he asked me to do some yard work and when I pawned it off on my big cousin, he thought I was a genius for sub-contracting it to someone else. I will miss my grandfather dearly. I enjoyed the time I was able to spend with him after I moved to Phoenix. Sitting in his backyard on Mission ln, talking baseball with a beer in hand was quality time and I got to know the real Mike Lawless. I will miss you grandpa, and I am happy that you are now reunited with my wonderful grandma. I love you and will see you on the other side.
Michael
November 14, 2017
Bridget
Dad, I miss you dearly, each and every day. I find comfort in believing that I will see you and Mom again, one day. Heaven has another Angel. Rest in Peace Dad.
Love you,
Pooh ❤
November 14, 2017
Daughter
Theresa Gingg
Everyone: our parents, the glue of our family are now gone. So many families grow apart and let issues come between them. We need to remain a family and let those things that might come between us go. Life is too short. We were very blessed to have our parents as long as we did. Not too many can say that. We had the best parents, our family was held intact by their love for us. Yes they were strict but needed to be. There were 9 of us! Christmas, no matter whether they had money or not, they always gave us the best, I can remember they would get a loan from Beneficial Finance in Pomona (I think they had a running account there!)
Rest in Peace Dad, enjoy seeing mom again and meeting the son you missed knowing. Till we meet again..........
November 13, 2017
Grandchild
Ryan Lawless
As much as I wish I could have been there to say goodbye, I know that you were surrounded by many other important people who cared and loved you deeply. I am happy with that fact, and I know that you are now back together with Grandma and Dennis. I will always miss and remember you for the great man you were and still are. Love you Grandpa.
Love, one of your many grandchildren,
Ryan
November 13, 2017
Grandchild
Nick Lawless
Our grandfather was a man that we all deeply respected, and loved. He was a man who loved to talk, whether about the Navy, or the Diamondbacks. But whatever the conversation, he just loved being around others. I remember being at their house on a Saturday, and almost like a routine, hed walk out front at around noon, just to wait for Angelo, the mailman. He would sit down, with a cold Guinness in hand, and even though he was hard of hearing, he just loved to see what was going on in everyones lives.
He loved all of his children, his grandchildren, and his great grandchildren. But most importantly, he adored his wife. His love for her was never shaken, no matter what. And I believe that we can all agree, that Grandpa just wanted to be with Grandma.
I am deeply saddened by their passings, yet I am so glad that I was able to spend a lot of time with them, and Im even happier with the memories I had with them.
Farewell, Grandpa. I love you...
November 13, 2017
Family
Mari Lawless
My gpa was truly one of a kind and I can't believe he is no longer here. The only solace I take from that is that he is with my gma. He loved gma so very much and it was evident in how he couldn't leave the house to go get a haircut without giving her a goodbye kiss and he couldn't walk past her without saying "Hi sweetheart!" and giving her a kiss hello upon his return. I will always cherish my memories of he and gma up north during our summer family trips as well as the simple memories of talking with the two of them on the back patio of their little house on Mission Lane. Whether it was discussing the Dbacks, classic movies, or their childhoods, I learned something new about the two of them each visit. Things got beyond difficult when gma's Alzheimer's picked up steam but gpa never complained, not once. His love for her never wavered, even throughout all of the challenges that life threw their way and that showed me that true love really does exist. For that, I am eternally thankful. I miss them both, so terribly, but still see hints of them everyday. I see gpa's grin and sincere concern for others in my both of brothers and I see my gma's wit and undeviating love and dedication for family in my Auntie Erin.
I am so grateful that I got to have gma and gpa in my life for as long as I did and will always think so fondly of the both of them.
I love you gma and gpa
Rest in peace ♡
November 13, 2017
Family
Mary
Thank you, Dad, for everything you gave us. You always provided for us and, with Mom, taught us about responsibility and taking care of our families. I have always been proud to call you Dad. Thank you, also, for being such a good Grandpa to my kids. They loved you so much! I will remember you and love you forever, and will always be your "Mary Muffin".
November 12, 2017
Erin
Our Dad Michael was the best Father! Number one because he loved our Mother Barbara with is whole heart. They both showed such respect for each other. Number 2, he was a hard worker and good provider.
Even though dad was tough on us (mostly the boys) the discipline he gave us shaped our character.
They gave us wonderful memories, every Christmas, Easters and our birthdays were awesome, great times at the cabin in Wrightwood CA, and more beautiful memories at Bearcreek cabins and up in Pinetop! The BEST time was the surprise 50th Wedding Anniversary we all pulled off to honor them in Cottonwood!
We are the luckiest bunch of kids! All 9 of us!
I will always miss you both, I know you are enjoying a good game of cards and discussing old movies together again!
There is a place in my heart for you both forever!
Rest in Peace, Love,
Erin
November 3, 2017
Flisha Reese
Erin, I'm so sorry for you loss. I'm praying for you and your family. God bless you all.
November 3, 2017
Bernadette Moore
Erin, My prayers are with you and your family. May God Bless you and give you strength my friend.
November 3, 2017
Frida Benavides
When we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us. May you take comfort in knowing that you have an angel to watch over you now. I extend my most sincere condolences to you.
November 3, 2017
Mary Jane Jasso
I'm so sorry for you loss Erin, My condolences to you and your family. My prayers are with you and God Bless
November 3, 2017
Collette Newton
Your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Be kind to one another, love one another and take care of each other.
November 2, 2017
Naomi T
What sad news I received today. ..
Mike was indispensable in our office. We often teased him but he was always a help to all of us. We loved him dearly.
Sadly I am out of town and will not be able to attend on Friday. Please forgive.
November 1, 2017
Kristi Mendez
Rest in peace Mike, you will be missed.
October 31, 2017
M O
Rest in peace dad.
October 29, 2017
CW
May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" sustain your family during this challenging time. (Isaiah 61:1,2) With heartfelt sympathy.
October 28, 2017
Sarah Burris
I will always cherish the times I spent with Gpa at our many family get togethers! I'll miss hearing "who's there!" and announcing "Sarah and Chris Gpa" and hearing "Ohhh sarah" followed by the latest DBacks update:) I loved hearing his stories, I loved hearing about how his garden was doing, I loved that he painted his driveway and swept it ALL the time ( didn't love how scary it was to walk on that driveway with even slightest bit of rain! Haha) I love that he was so independent after he was declared legally blind; which brings me to one of my favorite Gpa stories. It was probably 2005-ish I had been visiting he and Gma when Gpa asked if I would run him to the Barber Shop. As we dropped him off I noticed that right next door to the barber shop was a tattoo shop, gma and I watched and waited We just KNEW he'd end up walking in that tattoo shop! And he did!! Gma and I laughed and laughed and not even a second later Gpa came out laughing and waving us off, I wish I could've heard the conversation in that shop!! I will always remember Gpa smiling, laughing and talking sports! Love you Gpa and miss you, always ❤
October 25, 2017
David Trimble
God, I hate to receive news like this. I had been thinking about Michael this past week and wondered if there was any way short of a phone call to get in touch with him. In other words, he was on my mind for some reason and this must have been it. Right you are that it saddens me. For one, I did not know his health condition nor a prognosis on how long he had. I thought him in relative good health. Very sad.
I always held Mike in high esteem. I respected his intellect, his honesty, and loyalty toward friends and family. Mike was high in stature as a human being. He will be missed.
I am sorry for your loss, Erin.
October 20, 2017
Marguerite Mahalek
Rest Well now Dad with your Beloved Sweet Heart! Though the dynamics changed, you always were, for the past 31 years, and always will be, my other Dad! You were and are an AMAZING Man who showed what Love of Family, Devotion and Integrity is and I know that my 3 kids as well as all your Cherished Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren will carry forward with them your Legacy and do their best to live up to the example you set for them!!! THANK YOU!!!
Until we are all reunited, know that you are forever Loved and Missed!!
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