Charles A. Lawless, Sr.

Charles “Charlie” Lawless, age 98, of Limerick, passed away peacefully on Good Friday, April 18, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Charlie was born in 1927 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Catherine (Gallagher) and Leo Lawless.   

He grew up in Philadelphia and attended Roman Catholic High School. During his senior year, Charlie was drafted into the U.S. Army and sent to Camp Wheeler in Georgia. He was soon swept away to the Pacific corridor, stationed in Korea and the Philippines during World War II, serving his country with quiet courage and pride.

After the war, Charlie returned home and met the love of his life, Loretta (Fehn). They were married for 72 years, building a life full of love, laughter, and adventure. Together, they raised six children: Loretta (Dan) Doggendorf, Chuck (Marie) Lawless, Theresa (Rudy) Russo, Eileen (Paul) Karwaski, Ray (Lisa) Lawless, and John Lawless.

Charlie was a forerunner in the computer industry. He worked for Western Electric Company, where he supervised keypunch operators and computer programmers at a time when computers were in their infancy. His work ethic, intellect, and forward-thinking helped shape a rapidly changing industry. After years of dedicated service, Charlie retired—a period of his life that lasted even longer than his working years, and one he fully embraced.

In retirement, Charlie and Loretta spent countless Saturday nights dancing, whether in the Audubon area or in Fort Myers, Florida, where they spent their winters. Charlie especially loved to waltz to Edelweiss. When it was time to line dance, nothing made him smile more than kicking up his heels to New York, New York. Together, they found joy in every step, their love and energy lighting up the room every time they danced.

Charlie had an inventive spirit and a mind that never stopped learning. He often said, “Necessity is the mother of invention,” and he lived by those words. If there was something he needed and couldn’t buy, he would make it himself. He could speak knowledgeably on just about any topic—whether it was ancient philosophers, distant countries, or medieval rituals. Often, as he would elaborate on some complex subject, Loretta would laugh and say, “Is that true, or did you make it up?” Because Charlie knew so much about everything, and sometimes she wasn’t quite sure how he knew it all. But he always did.

In his later years at Arcadia Pointe in Limerick, Charlie became known as the unofficial “mayor” and ambassador of the Personal Care Units. He welcomed every new resident, making sure they felt comfortable in their new home. He greeted friends and visitors on the elevator, in the dining room, and at the reception desk with a joke and a smile—his quick wit never fading. His children called him daily, and during those conversations, one could always hear him ask, “What are you doing for fun?” A simple question that reflected how he lived his life—with curiosity, joy, and a sense of adventure.

Charlie was a faith-driven man. A devoted Catholic, he was often found saying the rosary and attending Mass. His faith was a steady presence in his life, guiding his actions and giving him strength and peace.

Charlie is survived by his six children, sixteen grandchildren, and twenty-eight great-grandchildren. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren grew “wealthy” on his famous PopPop dollars—small tokens of love he handed out each time he saw them, which became a cherished tradition.

He was predeceased by his parents, Catherine and Leo Lawless; his two brothers Leo and Edward, and one sister Catherine; his grandchildren, Mark and Luke; and his beloved wife, Loretta. Though they are no longer here, their love and memories live on in his heart and the hearts of his family.

Charlie’s legacy is one of wisdom, humor, kindness, and love. He leaves behind a family who adored him and countless friends who were better for knowing him. His life was a testament to resilience, curiosity, faith, and joy, and he will be deeply missed.

Services and Burial for Charlie will be held on May 5, 2025, SAINT ANDREW CATHOLIC CHURCH, 81 Swamp Rd, Newtown, PA 18940.   

VISITATION:    10:30 AM      MASS:  NOON    

BURIAL:  2:00 PM Washington Crossing National Cemetery 830 Highland Rd. Newtown, PA 18940.