Thomas D. Lawton

Thomas Daniel “Tom” Lawton, 92, of Niantic, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021. Tom leaves behind his beloved wife of 64 years, Cynthia Roe Lawton. Born in St. Louis, Mo., to George and Mildred (Feightner) Lawton, he grew up on Crescent Beach and returned to Niantic once retired.

After graduating from the Bulkeley School, Tom served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He then attended Michigan State University, where he met Cynthia, and together, they cheered on the Spartans football and basketball teams. Tom’s entire career was spent with United Technologies as an aeronautical engineer, retiring from Sikorsky Aircraft in 1991. In retirement, he was a loving “Grandpa,” world traveler and volunteer for the American Red Cross Disaster Service. Throughout his life, Tom was drawn to the water as an avid sailor and beachgoer.

In addition to his wife, Cynthia, he will be dearly missed by his daughter Deb Lawton of Niantic; and his granddaughter Stephanie Jones and her husband Zachary Jones of Hazel Green, Ala. He is survived by his sister Suzanne Leslie; and predeceased by his daughter Elizabeth “Beth” Lawton; and siblings, Don Lawton, Marion Hopkins and Jim Lawton.

A private memorial will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Red Cross or the East Lyme Public Trust Foundation, PO Box 174, Niantic, CT 06357.