Jack Lawlor, 85, retired advertising manager

Jack Lawlor, 85, of Horsham, a retired advertising manager for the Inquirer and the Daily News, died Friday, Jan. 20, of heart failure at Abington Hospital-Jefferson Health.

From April 1981 to February 1997, Mr. Lawlor was employed as a major accounts manager for Philadelphia Newspapers Inc., a predecessor of Philadelphia Media Network. Before that, he pursued his advertising career at the Bulletin.

Born in Philadelphia, he had lived in Horsham since 1960. He and his wife, Elaine, had four children. She died in January 2006.

Mr. Lawlor was passionate about helping children. He offered his support and leadership skills to the Variety Club and the March of Dimes.  A true jack of all trades, he excelled in working with his hands and helping anyone in need, especially his children and grandchildren.

"He was truly a kind and compassionate man," his family wrote in a tribute.

Mr. Lawlor made friends wherever he went. In 2005, he befriended Mark Harris, a short-order cook at Abington Hospital, while Elaine Lawlor was being treated there. What began as an exchange over a steak sandwich blossomed into a mutual support system. Harris called Mr. Lawlor "Pop." They stayed in touch and shared important family events.

When asked what he appreciated most about Mr. Lawlor, Harris said in a 2013 hospital bulletin article, "His personality: He's soft-spoken and he cares. He's a really good guy."

Mr. Lawlor loved animals, especially his pet dog, Ellie.

He is survived by children Linda Brun, Mark, Kevin, and Carol; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a sister.

A visitation starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, will be followed by an 11:30 a.m. funeral service at the Shelly Funeral Home, 1460 Easton Rd, Warrington. Interment will be in Whitemarsh Memorial Park, Ambler.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation via www.mds-foundation.org.