James Lawrence Lawlor II

1933 – 2018

AUBURN – James Lawrence Lawlor II passed away on Oct. 31, 2018, at the Hospice House in Auburn, surrounded by his loving family. He was born at home in Auburn on Jan. 1, 1933, the son of the late James Lawrence Lawlor Sr. and Ethel Alberta (Macomber) Lawlor. He was the first New Years baby of 1933 with a full page write up on all of the items that he and his family received for his birth.

He enlisted in the Army at the age of 17 and was sent to fight in the Korean War. He served two tours in Korea and a year and a half in Vietnam. He earned his GED while serving our country. He retired on March 31, 1973, after serving 24 years in the Army as an E7. Once he retired from the Army he worked at Maine Oxy for 15 years then went into business at West Business Systems and drove for Lee Oldmobile for a short time. 

He met and fell in love with Mary Ellen Cheetham in 1950 at a dance on Bradman Street in East Auburn and persistently pursued her, asking to take her home and she told him she no, she was going home with the girlfriend she came with and when she got home, he was waiting in the driveway. They were married on July 8, 1952, at the East Auburn Baptist Church and had a reception at aunt Norma and uncle Carl’s home with cake and ice cream. 

James loved to go to Rolly’s in New Auburn every morning for breakfast and to harass the waitresses. He was loved by all due to his sense of humor and outgoing personality. He loved to talk with all people.

He belonged to the VFW Post 1603 of Auburn, was a member of the American Legion, Washington Street, Auburn, a member of the Rabboni Lodge #150 A.F. & A.M., Auburn, and the Eastern Star Pinecone Chapter #26.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Mary Ellen (Cheetham) Lawlor; brother, Arthur Lawlor; daughter, Ellen S. & Stephen Broas, son, Donald K. and Pam Lawlor, son Ronald S. and Diane Lawlor, daughter Heidi L. and Brian McIntosh, son James L. and Terri Lawlor III. He leaves behind 17 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. 

He was predeceased by his father, James L. Lawlor Sr., mother, Ethel A. Lawlor; sister, Francis (Lawlor) Gendron; mother-in-law, Alma Cheetham; and his shining star, his daughter, Julieanna Lynn Lawlor.

Visiting hours will be held from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.. Tuesday, Nov. 6, at The Fortin Group Funeral Home, 217 Turner St., Auburn. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 7, at  The Fortin Group. A graveside ceremony with military honors will follow at Gracelawn Memorial Park, 980 Turner St., Auburn. Please visit www.thefortingroupauburn.com to share condolences.

In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to the 

Julieanna Lynn Lawlor 

second year nursing scholarship 

at CMMC School of Nursing. 

 

 

 

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