GLOUCESTER: James A. “Gus” Lawson, 89, died Friday, May 18, 2012, his way, at his Madison Avenue home with his wife and two daughters. He was the husband of Marilyn (Kendall) Lawson and the late Winifred (Kiff) Lawson.
Born in Gloucester on September 25, 1922, he was the son of the late William H. and Katherine L. (Romkey) Lawson. Gus was a graduate of the Gloucester High School class of 1940. He was active in baseball, football and basketball. He was the highest scorer in Essex County for the Gloucester High School basketball team in 1940.
Following his graduation, he went on to attend Merchant Marine School in California before being recruited into the Navy during World War II. He served in North Africa, Sicily, Salerno, Anzio and D-Day. Gus was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in Salerno, Italy. He was honorably discharged in September of 1945.
Gus worked as a machinist for many years before retiring from Gloucester Engineering in the mid-1980’s. He was a member of the Gloucester Lodge of Elks No. 892, the Edward Peterson Post #98, American Legion of Rockport and also the Rockport Bridge Club.
According to his grandchildren, Gus Lawson was not only an amazing grandfather, but was a world class athlete. Gus would always go out of his way to drive by Stage Fort Park and tell his grandchildren the story of him being the first one to hit a homerun over the big rock into Gloucester harbor. They all heard this story hundreds of times in their lives and they would give anything to hear him tell it one more time.
In addition to his wife, he is also survived by his daughters, Cynthia, wife of Woodrow Lancaster, their son, Alan Lancaster, and Susan, wife of John Dionne and their children, Tony, husband of Caitlyn DaCruz, Colin Dionne and Hannah Jean Dionne; great-granddaughter, Isabella Rose DaCruz; niece, Beth, wife of Joseph DiPalma and their children; stepchildren, Peggy, wife of Thomas Justice, Dennis, husband of Elaine O’Connell and Sharon, wife of Rip Wright; nine step grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his son, Russell and his siblings, Earl, Paul, Mary and Gloria.
His services will be held on Tuesday morning at the Beechbrook Cemetery at 10 a.m. Visiting hours will be held on Monday in the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester from 6 – 8 p.m. Relatives and Friends are cordially invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Open Door Food Pantry, 28 Emerson Avenue, Gloucester and Day by Day Adult Care, 3 Blackburn Center, Gloucester.