Donald Waterman Lawton

Providence: Lawton, Donald Waterman died Saturday, October 26, 2013. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 60 years, Jean. He is survived by their two daughters, Nancy Lawton Buonauito and her husband Bill, Susan Lawton Volante and her husband Ron and four granddaughters, Rachel Volante, Sarah Volante, Nicole Buonauito and Emma Buonauito. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Percy and Ruth Lawton. He was the brother to Florence Ray, James Lawton, Robert Lawton and the late Dorothy Pentilla.He served honorably in the U.S. Navy during World War II and Korea.He was appointed to the Providence Police Department on February 2, 1954 as a night patrolman. His career would span over 3 decades and 7 police chiefs and include numerous achievements; the Rhea Archambrault award for overall outstanding police work and the Providence Police Council Citation for Excellent Police Work as a result of his action for diffusing an explosive situation. He was awarded the American Legion's Medal of Heroism, the Veterans of Foreign Wars' Law Enforcement Award as well as a Certification of Award for excellent police work as a result of his significant actions in a highly volatile situation atop the Providence Police Station. He continued his career as the Director of Personnel until his retirement as a Lieutenant in 1987. On his last day as a police officer, he represented the Providence Police in a road race to raise money for Special Olympics. He then assumed the responsibilities of Director of the State of Rhode Island Bureau of Criminal Identification and eventually retired as Chief of Staff to the Honorable James E. O'Neil, Attorney General for the State of Rhode Island. His funeral will be held Thursday, October 31st from the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith Street, Providence at 9:30am followed by a service at 11 am at All Saints' Memorial Church, 674 Westminster St, Providence. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Park, Johnston. Visiting hours will be Wednesday 4:30 - 7:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the the Providence Police Donation Fund, Finance Department, 325 Washington St., Providence,RI 02903.