I met Tom 34 years ago as he delivered my Daughter Lauren. As it turned out my dad and Toms dad were friends  many years ago.  When Tom was on patrol he would always stop by.  He always kept in touch with Lauren over the years even remembering her birthday.. Rip Tom

How very sad to hear this news.  I rode on the ambulance corp with Tommy for many years.  Tommy had the best sense of humor and loved to laugh, and we did a lot of it!!  Tommy was the most generous, giving, fun person to be around, and strong as an ox.  RIP my friend!!

I met Tommy 34 years ago , when I joined the ambulance corps at 16, just like he had years before.   As everyone knows, he was an amazing guy, who always gave of himself and always made time for everyone.  He was the ‘fun uncle’ to all the younger members of the ambulance corps in the ‘90s.  He was always checking on us, having us grab pizza with him while he was working, and always looking out for us.  He was always smiling and always made us laugh.  When Tommy was on scene, you knew everything would be alright, no matter what the situation.  He also was epitome of community policing before it was a thing.  Somehow he knew what seemed like everyone in town, and wherever we’d go (Callahan’s for hot dogs, Shea Stadium, etc, etc).

Thanks for everything you taught me, always looking out, the memories and years of friendship.  Give Max some good ear rubs for me up there!

Jon Schubert 
Life Member, Washington Twp. Ambulance Corps

Tommy my Brother, you will be missed beyond words my friend! I remember doing limo work with you back in the day, and then when we got our uniforms the same day at All City uniforms. You stopping by the house for coffee. One of the Twsp’s finest Police Officers, great Cop. Always there and always helpful to everyone. The stories and laughs are endless. You’re an unforgettable character my friend. I’ll will miss your charismatic demeanor and your infectious laugh and smile. Remember the ant story, that was always a funny one. May God wrap his loving arms around you as he welcomes you home my Brother!🙏🏻 ✝️❤️💙 Deepest condolences to Nancy, and Tommy’s entire family. I am so very sorry!

Joe Galasso and Family

Rest in peace my good friend. Will never forget all the Yankee games and Honor Legion meetings we attended together. I’m going to miss you. So is my son Michael. 

Walt Sudol

My memory of Tom, I was at work, the day after Christmas & he called the office and asked to speak to me. When I got on the phone, and in such a delicate way, told me my father, had passed away. Needless to say that I was shocked, my boss drove me to my parents house, and he was still there, comforting my mother. He remained there for a little bit longer, till the medical examiner arrived & and the funeral home. He was such a comfort on that day… my prayers and condolences to the entire family…

RIP Tommy. Good years of friendship 
Will always remember the good ole days.
Thoughts and prayers my Brother. 
Ron Emanuel,Ret. Chief of Police, Oradell PD.

What a great guy. Kind, supportive, and genuine.  He helped me so many times.  RIP Officer Lawton.

Tom and I became close friends after my husband died in the terror attacks of 9/11.  He was very supportive and kind hearted. Tom was always willing to jump in and lend a helping hand.  Heaven has certainly gained what we on earth have lost.  Walk among the angels dear friend.  Someday we shall meet again.  Until then peace and love be with you.

There will never be another like you!! You were one in a million. 
Gone too soon - Rest in peace, Tom. 
Ed & Jeanne Culbert

I have know Tom for over 50 years, He was great friends with my father . He met Tom when he was in The Westwood High School as a student.  I have many funny and fond memories of Tom with my dad. I especially loved how he would tease my father s accent. He had a great sense of humour  In the custodians room tom drew this on the black board above.  Tom was a wonderful good hearted man who loved my father.  I have many cherished stories and memories to fill a book.  I have not seen him  in 10 years , but i knew for the last 5 years his health was not good. but kept in touch via texts and phone calls.  You will be missed.  Peace and Love - Joe Soccodato

I returned to Washington township for our 40 year Westwood high reunion where I had the opportunity to sit down for a while with Tom. We shared a brotherhood of conversation in our world of law enforcement and the bond was genuine. He welcomed me back and we shared a really good time . I’m saddened to hear of his passing too soon.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Honor his service,

Det. Richard Burckhardt 
Ret. Charleston Police Department SC

He was a great man and he was always there for us all in the township. He was there for me when my son needed to get to the hospital back in 5/2015 when he was having a seizure. May he Rest In Peace and be with his mom/dad and his angels! My condolences and prayers go out to his family and friends!
Rose Marie and Shawn leddy

I first met Tommy on my paper route when I was 12, he put my bike and my newspapers in his station wagon and delivered papers with me. Tommy was on the ambulance corps With my parents and we became very close. When I was in ninth grade, I was going to the high school dance, Tommy picked me And my date up In his Lincoln Continental drove me to the dance and Picked me up when it was over and drove my date home. Tommy asked me in the car, did you make out with her, I had no idea what he was talking about. We stayed friends for 50 years going to Atlantic City. He came to my wedding, he came over almost every Sunday in the summertime to go down my kids slide in the backyard. Rest in peace, my friend there will never be another one like you,❤️❤️❤️

Ambulance calls for baby in distress are always high adrenaline.

What a relief to walk in and have Tommy holding a happy baby. 
Rest in Peace Tommy.   You got your wings !!

OBITUARY

Thomas S. Lawton

March 5, 1956 – August 7, 2024

Becker Funeral Home

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