1931-2022

Words of Remembrance for Brother John Lawless, FSC

by
Brother Leonard Rhoades, FSC

Brother John Lawless was the son of Irish immigrants. His father became a butler for a Main Line millionaire in Philadelphia. The life of this millionaire later became a movie starring Fred MacMurray. While his dad was busy in this position and his mother busy at home, their son, John, went off to become a Brother of the Christian Schools.

I lived with John at St. John’s College High School and again at Calvert Hall. During those years I got to know John as an excellent math teacher and a dedicated Cross Country Moderator. I learned that he kept all his grade books and knew the grades of his students from O’Connell High School, Central Catholic High School, Saint Joseph’s Collegiate Institute, Calvert Hall College High School, and also his students from Eddington.

Brother John loved to help young students get the math that they had difficulty grasping in class.

He would also go to school in the summer to learn how best to teach the Advanced Placement classes he would have the following fall.

Brother John loved classical music and opera. He would go to the Kennedy Center in DC where he had season tickets, Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh, the Lyric in Baltimore to see BSO., and any church that had guest organ recitals. He was our local organist in Community. He loved great liturgies. He was truly A Man for All Seasons!

Brother John was an exercise guru. He rode his bike through Rock Creek Park. And, yes, he roller bladed there as well. He did both activities at the Hall until age 88. Yes, he was in good shape! Students at the Hall still ask about him. They remember him for not only his fitness, but also for the fact that he was always there to help them with their math when they were freshmen.

Brother John loved the Hall. He loved being a Brother to the young people placed in his care.
He deeply loved his family and God.

Brother John Lawless, FSC

Born John Edward Lawless in Bryn Mawr PA on 23 January 1931
Entered the Ammendale MD Novitiate on 1 October 1948
Received the Religious Habit and Name David Damian on 1 February 1949
Pronounced Perpetual Vows in Ammendale MD on 29 August 1956
Died at De La Salle Hall in Lincroft NJ on 19 February 2022

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

Thursday, 24 February 2022

Mass of Christian Burial – 4.30pm
De La Salle Hall
810 Newman Springs Road
Lincroft NJ 07738

Saturday, 26 February 2022

Graveside Prayer Service & Interment – 11.00am
De La Salle Cemetery
6001 Ammendale Road
Beltsville MD 20705

Luncheon Reception following

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Calvert Hall College High School – TBD

After a week in hospice care, Brother John passed away due to cardiac complications.

The District of Eastern North America remembers Brother John with memorial liturgies according to the tradition of the Institute. Through their prayers, communities and individuals entrust Brother John to God’s loving care.

May he rest in peace.

ASSIGNMENTS

1950–1954
Elkins Park PA
La Salle College (scholasticate)

1954–1958
Eddington PA
Saint Francis Vocational School

1958–1962
Pittsburgh PA
South Hills Catholic High School

1962–1963
Elkins Park PA
Anselm Hall

1963–1967
Arlington VA
Bishop Denis J. O’Connell High School

1967–1975
Pittsburgh PA
Central Catholic High School

1975–1984
Baltimore MD
Calvert Hall College High School

1984–2000
Washington DC Saint
John’s College High School

2000–2020
Baltimore MD
Calvert Hall College High School

2020–2021
Baltimore MD
Calvert Hall College High School (resident)

2021–2022
Lincroft NJ
De La Salle Hall (resident)