Deepest Condolences to the family of Old Westbury University Police Investigator Thomas Lawson

Thursday, June 09, 2016

It is with great sadness that we share with you the news of the passing of Retired New York State University Police Investigator Thomas Lawson.

Thomas, or 'Ricky' to some, began his service to SUNY in 1991 and dedicated 24 years to protecting the lives of all who worked, attended and visited the campus of SUNY Old Westbury.

Thomas's story of service and dedication to his family, his community and his country is one of great sacrifice, humility and grace. His loss is tragic for all who knew and loved him. He leaves behind a wife, Theresa Lawson, 3 son's, 4 Daughters, and 6 grandchildren. Please see the message below, a piece written by his daughter in memory of her father.

This family needs our help. There are significant financial constraints for Mrs. Lawson now. A memorial fund has been created to provide some immediate assistance to the family.

There are two ways to donate:

A Tax Deductible donation may be made through the Family Assistance Fund (FAF) of the PBA of NYS. 100% of these donations will be given directly to Theresa Lawson. Please click on this link to make your donation through the FAF

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/fafotpon

A fundraiser has also been established through gofundme.com and donations may be made through that site by clicking on this link:

https://www.gofundme.com/thomlawson211

We thank you for any assistance you may be able to provide to the family of your brother.



Memorial piece written by Samantha Lawson:

Thomas Ricardo Lawson, went on to glory on June 6th at 5:11 am. He was a former US Army Sargent and Detective for SUNY Old Westbury. He is a graduate with a bachelor's degree from Full Sail University, and a Wyandanch Warrior. He was 59 years old they day he returned home.

He leaves behind a wife, Theresa Lawson, 3 sons, 4 Daughters, and 6 grandchildren. Thomas has been affectionately known as Ricky or Tom most of his life. He is loved by many.

Our Father Thomas played several types of guitars in the military band, for his family and friends, and most importantly for the Lord at Bridges Outreach Ministries. His loss is tremendously painful to every single life that he touched. Our mother Theresa known affectionately as Renee, really needs the help of those lives he touched to help rebuild hers. My mother was a wife of the bible. Her Husband was the provider and she kept the home. She was not always a full-time mom, but due to an unfortunate injury she had to become one. In spite of having to leave a job she loved, of helping people with mental illness, she took on the role of housewife with grace. She was able to adopt 4 children in that time and give of herself even more in that regard. She and our father gave Edward, Shanice, Caleb, and Krystin a stable and loving home. That home came with three older siblings, Francisco, Nicole, and Samantha. Thomas also had many spiritual children in his life, My friend Jordan Williams, Melissa, Laneese, Teejay, Jeaux, Iva, Jermaine, Christina (daughter in Law) Gerren, Jason, Vivian and Joshua... just to name a few.

He wore the title of family man just as proudly as his honors from the Army. Our father was called to fight Iraqi Freedom in 2005. He answered that call with grace and humility. He went into the war with the love of the Lord and the love his family and friends. His brothers and sisters in the service kept one another through one of the hardest times in all of their lives.

In 2016 he was called to fight in another war against stage IV metastatic lung cancer. He found out on May 18th and he lost that battle on June 6th. This war has left a major causualty and many injuries. The broken hearts of his wife, children, family, and friends. His pets even mourn his loss.

If you can help our mother in anyway with the cost of his memorial service, you are giving back to Thomas (Ricky) in a major way. we love you, He loves you, and we want you to be blessed. Thank you in advance for your love and Kindness.