Thomas F. Lawlor

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Thomas F. Lawlor, 82, an Opera Singer, passed away Friday, October 9, 2020 at home after a long illness bravely borne. He was the beloved husband of Jill (Rogers) Lawlor for 27 years.

Born in Dublin, Ireland, he was the son of the late Thomas and Elizabeth (Hendrick) Lawlor. After graduating from University College Dublin and The Guildhall School of Music, Tom began his decades long operatic career with the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company, where he was a principal baritone, singing all the lead roles of the Gilbert and Sullivan Operas. In his time with the D’Oyly, the company toured the world, including multiple months-long tours of the United States. His career progressed to the world of grand opera – he sang over 60 roles with opera companies all over the world.

Outside of the world of opera, Tom was an avid rambler in the dales of West Yorkshire, England. He loved taking days-long hikes among the hills and pubs of the countryside – he recorded several programs for the BBC about his favorite walks, as well as the geology and history of the region. Upon moving to the United States, Tom proudly became a citizen. He and Jill were co-founders of Beavertail Opera Productions, bringing educational performances about opera, composers, and figures such as Gilbert and Sullivan, as well as full operatic productions. He also directed productions with multiple regional companies, and taught classes at Brown University and Rhode Island College as well as teaching private voice students.

He loved to travel with Jill, exploring new cities, and visiting family and friends all around the world. He was an avid cook, especially Indian cuisine, and loved to entertain and share stories with friends about his adventures and experiences. Tom was a long-time volunteer for Samaritans and In-Sight Radio. He was a lector at St. Peter’s Church, and had a special devotion to St. Therese of Lisieux.

He was the father of Frances Galvan (Tom), grandfather of Matilda and Sidney Galvan; brother of Marie Lee, Vera Gow, Patricia Stewart, and the late Brendan Lawlor.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial, Friday October 16th, 10:00 a.m., at St. Peter’s Church, Fair Street, Warwick. Internment at St. Ann’s Cemetery, Cranston.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory to The Miriam Cancer Center, Mega Suite, 164 Summit Avenue, Providence, RI 02906 (www.miriamhospital.org) or Hope Health Hospice, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02906 (www.hopehealthco.org) will be appreciated.

Face masks are required and social distancing will be observed. A livestreaming of the Mass may be found on the Quinn Funeral Home Facebook page.

“The final song is sung. The singer has left the stage”