Thomas David Lawless

Thomas David Lawless, 67, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away peacefully at his home on May 12, 2023 after a long battle with cancer.

Born in San Diego, California to his late parents, David Thomas Lawless, a Scottsdale orthodontist, and Mary Ellen Lawless, his family moved to Scottsdale in 1959 from the Midwest when Dr. Lawless opened his practice, and Tom was four years old.

Tom attended St. Theresa Catholic School, Brophy College Preparatory, and Santa Clara University. He obtained a masters in tax at University of Denver, practiced briefly as a CPA, then went on to receive his law degree at Santa Clara. In law school, he was editor of the law review, then had an excellent law practice as a tax attorney in Phoenix for 34 years, ending at his firm Milligan Lawless and retiring in 2019.

Tom was an avid golfer, played for Santa Clara, and was a member of the Arizona Country Club most of his life. He was a member of the Thunderbirds, a horse racing fan and former member of the Arizona Racing Commission.

He is survived by his wife, Rebekah, his children David, Stephanie, and Annie, his sister, Catherine Ellen Gaudreau (William) of Maryland, sister-in-law Hallie Lawless of Phoenix, his nieces, Kristen Durkin (Charles) of New York, Kelly Lucyk (Luke) of Phoenix, Megan Lawless of Tennessee, and nephews Andrew Gaudreau of Maryland, and Dylan Lawless of Tennessee. He was pre-deceased by his beloved brother, Daniel Patrick Lawless.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Arizona Country Club, 5668 E Orange Blossom Ln, Phoenix, AZ 85018, on Friday, June 9, 2023 from 1:00PM to 3:00PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be considered for The Thunderbirds Charities, 7226 N. 16th St., #100, Phoenix, AZ 85020. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com.