(01/06/13) LAWTON, Joseph Pike, Jr. “Jeph”, NKFD (Ret.), 70, of North Kingstown and Block Island, died unexpectedly on Friday, January 4, 2013 at home.
He was the husband of Hollie (Ross) Lawton for 35 years and 361 days. Born in Providence, a son of the late Joseph Pike Lawton, Sr. and Dorothy (Briggs) Lawton. He was a lifelong resident of North Kingstown and a recent part-time resident of Block Island.
Jeph was a retired North Kingstown firefighter, a carpenter and had worked at Standish-Johnson Outdoor Advertising. He served in the Army during the Vietnam War, was a lifelong member of the East Greenwich Yacht Club, where he served two terms as Commodore and a member of the East Greenwich Veteran Fireman’s Association. An avid boater and fisherman, Jeph had been active in the RI Tuna Tournament in Galilee for seemingly forever.
Upon meeting Jeph, one might think he was on the grumpier side. However, those who knew him well know that he was a candy bar – crunchy on the outside but sweet and gooey on the inside. He was the first on the scene to lend a hand to a friend in need, the ‘go to guy’ for all things fixable and an adoring husband, brother and uncle.
Besides his wife, he is survived by a brother, John C. Lawton of Weare, NH; a nephew, Joshua B. Lawton of Warwick and two nieces, Jessica Lawton Beal of Albany, NY and Sarah Lawton of Pittsfield, NH. He was the brother of the late Kim Briggs Lawton.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Thursday, January 10, 2013 at 1:00 pm in the East Greenwich Yacht Club, 10 Water Street, East Greenwich followed by military honors. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the charity of your choice in Jeph’s memory would be appreciated. www.henault-gallogly.com
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