Joseph P. Lawler, 73, of Manchester, beloved husband of 51 years to Mary Ann (Cote) Lawler died Monday (June 18, 2012) in Manchester. Born in Hartford, he was the son of the late Leonard W. and Mary C. (Coppinger) Lawler. He was a graduate of Holy Trinity High School in Hartford, and received both an associate's and bachelor's degree from the University of Hartford. Joe was a veteran of the US Air Force. He was formerly employed by Hartford Gas Co., Kingswood-Oxford School as Bursar, and also with the State of Connecticut - Office of the Treasurer in the Unclaimed Property division. Joe was a communicant of St. James Church, Manchester and ran the Money Wheel for many years at the church fair. Joe was a very active member of the Manchester Jaycees having served as president and elected to JCI Senator. One of the highlights of his Jaycees initiatives was his joint effort to save Case Mountain. After retiring, Joe volunteered his time with the Manchester Historical Society, held the office of treasurer and was recently elected to their Board of Directors. He enjoyed the Manchester Senior Center, especially the woodworking class and volunteering as a Tax Preparer for AARP. Joe loved the town of Manchester, his church community and most of all his family always being there to lend a helping hand and show of support. Beside his wife, Joe is survived by his children Stephen L. Lawler and his wife AnnMarie of Kirkland, WA and Deborah Lawler Sharp of Rockaway, NJ; his grandchildren Richard L. Sharp, Simone M. Sharp, Kaely A. Lawler and Natalie M. Lawler; his siblings Helen Linsenbigler and her husband Gerald of Manchester, and John Lawler and his wife Nancy of Chester, VT; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and close friends. Funeral service will be held on Saturday (June 23rd) at 9:15 am from the John F. Tierney Funeral Home 219 West Center St. Manchester, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am at St. James Church 896 Main St. Manchester, followed by burial in East Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 4-8 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Manchester Area Conference of Churches, P.O. Box 3804, Manchester, CT 06045-3804; St. James School Foundation, P.O. Box 254, Manchester, CT 06045-0254 or the Manchester Historical Society, 175 Pine St. Manchester, CT 06040. For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.