David Francis Lawler, age 87, passed away Saturday, March 12, 2011 at his home in Rochester. David was born on September 11, 1923 in Rochester.  He attended grade school in Haverhill Township and graduated from Lourdes High School.  In 1943, after graduation, he joined the US Army Air Corps and served with the 398 ^th Bomb Group. As a gunner, His B17 was shot down during his 35 ^th mission over Germany.  He was captured and became a prisoner of war. He was later liberated from the POW camp and returned to Rochester.

He married LaRayne Holmes in Oakland, Califonia on January 3 ^rd 1947. The couple lived in California for three years before moving to Rochester. Dave worked as an electrician for 46 years. He deeply enjoyed his annual Air Force reunions with his buddies. He also enjoyed traveling many destinations by Amtrak, putting his garden in each spring, and going to auctions.

David is survived by his wife LaRayne, a daughter, Lynda Witte of Saratoga Springs, New York, two sons, Larry (Michelle) of Rochester and Jeffrey (Margaret) of Florida, two sisters, Mrs. Mary Kvale of Rochester and Margaret Ann Lawler of Rochester, a brother, Dr. Kevin Lawler of St. Paul, six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by a daughter, Carol Ann, and six brothers.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00AM, Friday, March 18 ^th 2011 at St. Francis Catholic Church with Father Timothy T. Reker officiating.  Visitation will be held from 5:00PM to 8:00PM on Thursday, March 17, 2011 at the new River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to services at the church. David will be cremated following the funeral service, and his ashes will be buried in Calvary Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials are preferred to the American Legion Post 92 and VFW Post 1250.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com