HENRY (HANK) D., 88, of Severna Park, Md., died on June 5, 2010, at his home from Acute Leukemia. He was born April 4, 1922, in Medford, Massachusetts, where he was raised by his parents, the late Henry and Mary Lawton. After high school he served in WWII in the Army as a deep-sea diver before completing his studies at M.I.T. with a degree in engineering. In 1944 he was married to the late Dorothy Lawton of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for 50 years. In 1996 he married Maryanne Lee of McKinsey Park, where they resided until his death. He worked for Westinghouse in Pittsburg and then Baltimore for 38 years as a Department Manager for the AWG-10 Fire Control Radar Program and retired as a Corporate Executive in 1985. His "real" career then began, serving on the board and later as President of the Hospice of the Chesapeake. Better known as "Mr. Hospice", he created and organized the Chesapeake Foundation, serving as its first board member, and later, treasurer. A full-time volunteer for 20 years, he utilized his engineering and managerial skills to set up and maintain the Hospice's first computer system as well as developing software geared for their use. A dedicated fundraiser, Hank conducted annual appeal campaigns including Chairman for four years on the Build-a-Boat project and, in particular, the annual Hospice Cup Regatta. Recipient of many awards including the first Beacon of Hope Chairman's Award, Hank's vision, commitment, capability and resolve for the Hospice of the Chesapeake was an unfailing source of inspiration to all who knew him. In addition to his love for the Hospice, Hank was a talented dancer and cruising enthusiast, enjoying almost 50 cruises in his lifetime.

Hank is survived by his wife Maryanne Lee Lawton, of Severna Park; four children, Bryan Lawton of Sausalito, California, David Lawton of Pasadena, and Linda Gosman and Douglas Lawton of Severna Park, and their spouses, as well as six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Brown, and two brothers, Albert and Frank Lawton, all of Massachusetts.

Friends may visit at Barranco & Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 8, 2010, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at 12 p.m. (noon) on Wednesday at Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Severna Park with interment on Thursday at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Crownsville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of the Chesapeake, 445 Defense Highway, Annapolis, Md. 21401, http://hospicechesapeake.org. Online condolences may be made at http://www.barrancofuneralhome.com