Richard James Lawlor

Richard James Lawlor, JD, PhD 70, Born July 20, 1942 in Waterbury Connecticut, to the late Richard Henry and Margaret Mary Lawlor (Reilly), passed away on December 30, 2012. He received his B.A. from St. Mary’s Seminary and University in 1964 with a Philosophy major, his Ph. D. in Psychology from Catholic University of America in 1970, and completed his postdoctoral fellowship in 1972 at the Department of Psychiatry at the Indiana University School of Medicine, where he stayed to lead a long and distinguished career progressing from Assistant Professor to Clinical Associate Professor before becoming Emeritus Associate Professor until the time of his passing. He also received his J.D. (Magna Cum Laude) from Indiana University School of Law in 1979. His role at the medical center was multi-faceted and his passion for teaching was evident with long-standing mentoring of medical residents (including an Arthur B. Richter Scholar), medical students, law students, and undergraduates. His writings were prolific in the field of Forensic Psychology and will help guide the next generation of practitioners. His administrative work included service in various positions such as the Board of Directors for the Indiana Psychological Association, and as Chairman of the Indiana Psychological Association. Richard received numerous academic and professional honors including the Sagamore of the Wabash. His work doing custody evaluations is nationally known. Among many other consultation and volunteer services, he was loyal to Pleasant Run Children’s Home where he trained staff who worked with children inpatients for over 20 years. Nick’s Chili on Thursdays was also a requirement for he and his colleagues. In “retirement” he worked full time in private practice in Nashville, Indiana. He not only gave back to his community with his profession, but also with his free time at the Mason Lodge (Worshipful Master 2007), Brown County YMCA Board of Directors, and as President of the Brown County Rotary Club 2012 where he set record collections for the Salvation Army with the help of his toddler grandchildren. Richard loved to golf, travel, read, and share his passion for history with his son, Dr. John Lawlor (Patricia), which his daughter, Dr. Ann-Marie Hyatt (Stuart), was unable to grasp. She, however, shared his love for sports and made the former Connecticut State Champion Swimmer proud of her in various other sports. His two formerly mentioned children, their mother, Marie Lawlor (Mina), along with their spouses and combined 6 grandchildren will miss him deeply. He is survived by his loving wife, Robyn Lawlor (Gipson), his Mother-in-law, Dolores Gipson, his Father-in-law, Bob Gipson and his three step-daughters Ginny Babbitt, Joy Lawlor, and Bobbi Monroe who will miss his love, support, and infectious humor. All of Nashville will miss Richard’s constant smile and easy going spirit. Richard is also survived by his brother Bernard Lawlor (Elaine) and Francis Lawlor, countless nieces, nephews, and their children. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Richard’s life on Friday, January 4 and Saturday January 5, 2013. Viewing and visitation is from 4pm- 8pm this Friday at Bond-Mitchell Funeral Home, 1682 State Road 135 North, Nashville, IN, 47448. Funeral services, mass, and burial will begin at 11am on Saturday, Jan 5 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1008 McLary Road, Nashville, IN, 47448. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gipson-Lawlor Scholarship (High School Teacher of the Year) or the Brown Country Rotary Club. Both of these can be made through the Brown County Community Foundation, P. O. Box 191, Nashville, IN 47448. Online condolences may be made to www.BondMitchellFuneralHome.com