Thomas William Lawler

LAWLER, THOMAS WILLIAM (Tom)- Tom passed May 29, 2026 surrounded by family, prayers, love, and Elvis music.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Marty. His children know their reunion was beautiful. His mother, Jeanne. His father, Walter. Brothers Johnny and Skippy. And friends that were more family: Jim and Ellie Spatafora and Dale and Sylvia Shaffer. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law TJ and Kim Lawler. TJ could be named nothing but Thomas Jr. His daughter Keriann and beloved grandson Jack Lawler. His sisters Patty, Peggy, and Theresa. And many nieces and nephews. His favorite day was when he could bring everyone together. Tom was born March 2, 1956, in Kew Gardens, Queens and raised in Queens Village, Queens. Tom hated New York, but ask him about his childhood, he would remember addresses, names, locations, the friends who kept him out of trouble (George, Tom, Louise, and others), and those pesky incidents throwing fireworks down storm drains. He also readily remembered never making it the block to school clean, unbloodied, and/or at all. Tom enlisted in the Army in January 1974, advised to learn to drive in Texas, and skiing The Alps stationed in Germany. In 1977, he received an Honorable Discharge and found himself in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Tom met Marty, the love of his life, through The Post, softball, and her brother. They married, in a blizzard, on Sandia Crest, February 15, 1980. Something about a massacre made Marty change her mind from the 14th. Tom joined the FAA as an Air Traffic Controller in 1982 and brought his wife and young son back to Albuquerque. He worked in the East until his retirement in 2007. Tom maintained many friendships that continued until his passing, attending monthly FAA retiree breakfasts whenever he could. Tom enjoyed staying busy. He was an avid train enthusiast, a member of TTOS and TCA for many years serving in various organization positions including National President of TTOS. He collected Lionel O gauge Postwar trains and created a number of layouts to run them. He remodeled his houses including tearing down paneling on a Sunday morning and reflooring a section of his house multiple times. He was also involved in softball teams, bowling leagues, investment clubs, and his children’s activities. Tom participated in TJ’s Boy Scout troop attending meetings, camp outs, hikes, and, it should be mentioned, is a survivor of the Gila River trip. He saw TJ attain the rank of Eagle. He was also involved in TJ’s soccer teams and baseball teams. Tom developed Parkinson’s Disease after a near fatal fall in 2004. The disease slowly took his ability to fix his trains, walk without falling, write, speak, and his independence. His daughter, Keriann, returned to Albuquerque in 2023 to care for him and simultaneously had Tom’s only grandchild, Jack. Tom adored Jack and some of his last words were about Jack. Tom was beloved by many who met, worked, played, and lived with him. He will be missed deeply and forever. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, the Parkinson’s Foundation, a cause related to cancer research, a cause related to individuals training their service dogs, or your favorite animal related charity.