Richard A. Lawson

Mr. Richard "Dick" Lawson, Sr., 78, of 123 Alger St., Adams, died on Tuesday, January 4, 2011, at the North Adams Regional Hospital with his family by his side. He was born in North Adams on September 28, 1932, a son of the late William and Flora (Thoin) Lawson. He attended North Adams Grammar Schools as well as Drury High School and Charles H. McCann Technical High School. Mr. Lawson was a Veteran of the Korean Conflict having served with the United States Navy from January 9, 1951 until receiving his Honorable Discharge on October 20, 1954. During his military service, Mr. Lawson served on the USS Adirondack and the USS Kiowa in Naples, Italy as a draftsman seaman. Mr. Lawson worked for 30 years as a senior designer for General Electric Co., Pittsfield, until retiring. While employed there he had served as a union steward for several years. Earlier he had worked for the former Sprague Electric Co., North Adams and the former Hoosac Cotton Mills, North Adams. He was a life member of the Burnette-Bednarz Post 1995 Veterans of Foreign Wars, Adams, a longtime member of the National Rifle Association and the G.E. Quarter Century Club. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, having hunted throughout New England and Eastern Canada. He is survived by his wife, the former Joan M. Bohl, whom he married on September 3, 1955; 2 Sons - Robert Lawson and his wife Jane of Adams, and Daniel Lawson and his wife Maury of Williamstown; 2 Daughters - Julie McNeice and her husband Paul of Adams and Marylin Benedict and her husband Paul of St. Paul, MN; 1 Sister - Nancy Furlong and her husband Michael of Treasure Island, FL; 14 Grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a daughter, Donna Morris a son, Richard Lawson, Jr., and by a brother Bernard Lawson. The funeral will be held on Saturday, January 8, at 12:00NOON in the PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St., Adams. Burial will be at a later date at the convenience of the family. Calling hours are Friday from 4:00PM to 7:00PM at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the Adams Outdoorsman for Youth through the funeral home.

Richard A. Lawson

September 28, 1932 - January 4, 2011