NEWBURYPORT - Former Mayor George H. Lawler Jr. died this morning. He was 85.
Family members said he passed at his residence at 22 Woodland St. He had been in failing health in recent months.
Lawyer served as mayor from 1964-67. He was a pivotal figure in Newburyport downtown's rebirth, setting in motion the plan to restore the city's historic downtown. Prior to Lawler's term in office, much of the downtown had been slated for demolition.
He remained active in municipal affairs, and was currently the chairman of the Board of Water Commissioners.
Arrangements will be coordinated with the Twomey-LeBlanc Funeral Home here but no details are available at this time.
AK-47-wielding thug may be the most bumbling crook ever
Oklahoma Survivors, Heroes Survey Damage
Trout's cycle a boost for Angels
Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado
Kim Kardashian Flaunts Pregnant Bikini Body in Greece
NBA star pledges $1M to help tornado recovery
Shakira's Shocking Talent
Morgan Freeman falls asleep on air
GRAPHIC: Blood-Soaked Machete Killer Caught on Tape
Elin Nordegren Furious With Lindsey Vonn For Parading Kids in Public
Camera Captures Climber As He Loses Grip And Falls
Helen Mirren Meets with Dying Boy in Queen Elizabeth's Place
Crowd Chants '¡Si, Se Puede!' After Passage of Immigration Bill
DWTS Crowns a Winner
Police Ram House to End Hostage Standoff
Demi Moore a Rocks Bikini at Harry Morton's Family House
Anthony Weiner: I'm running for New York City mayor
Kate Middleton's Dress Flies Up
VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal
The Hangover Baby All Grown Up
