Thomas David Lawless, 67, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away peacefully at his home on May 12, 2023 after a long battle with cancer.
Born in San Diego, California to his late parents, David Thomas Lawless, a Scottsdale orthodontist, and Mary Ellen Lawless, his family moved to Scottsdale in 1959 from the Midwest when Dr. Lawless opened his practice, and Tom was four years old.
Tom attended St. Theresa Catholic School, Brophy College Preparatory, and Santa Clara University. He obtained a masters in tax at University of Denver, practiced briefly as a CPA, then went on to receive his law degree at Santa Clara. In law school, he was editor of the law review, then had an excellent law practice as a tax attorney in Phoenix for 34 years, ending at his firm Milligan Lawless and retiring in 2019.
Tom was an avid golfer, played for Santa Clara, and was a member of the Arizona Country Club most of his life. He was a member of the Thunderbirds, a horse racing fan and former member of the Arizona Racing Commission.
He is survived by his wife, Rebekah, his children David, Stephanie, and Annie, his sister, Catherine Ellen Gaudreau (William) of Maryland, sister-in-law Hallie Lawless of Phoenix, his nieces, Kristen Durkin (Charles) of New York, Kelly Lucyk (Luke) of Phoenix, Megan Lawless of Tennessee, and nephews Andrew Gaudreau of Maryland, and Dylan Lawless of Tennessee. He was pre-deceased by his beloved brother, Daniel Patrick Lawless.
A celebration of his life will be held at the Arizona Country Club, 5668 E Orange Blossom Ln, Phoenix, AZ 85018, on Friday, June 9, 2023 from 1:00PM to 3:00PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be considered for The Thunderbirds Charities, 7226 N. 16th St., #100, Phoenix, AZ 85020. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com.
Posey Moore Nash
Tom was just a wonderful guy.
My condolences to each of you.
Ronald S Fischler MD
I knew Tom for 25+ years and he became a trusted advisor for the pediatric practice I started, providing legal and tax advice , and later providing services to our family in estate planning. We became friendly , and played golf periodically . He loved the game .
He was always a positive person in all of our interactions, always supportive of our efforts and always helpful . He was in all the ways i have known him a “mensch”, a good person and his memory will be a blessing for me and I am sure many others.
I will miss him and send our condolences to the family .
Julie Bianchini Schaefer
Tom was a wonderful man and a great attorney. We’re grateful for the many years of great legal advice he provided our family. Our sincere condolences.
Maureen “Spro” Davis
I am so very sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. He was way too young. We were classmates at Santa Clara in the class of 1977. He was always a great person to be around in and even though I haven’t see him in years (mostly at our 5 year reunions) , he will be missed. My deep sympathy to his wife and family. May he be blessed and at peace.