Anthony E. Lawless

Albany - Anthony E Lawless, 26, passed away quietly on Thursday, April 4 of a previously unknown heart defect.

Anthony was born November 14, 1997 and spent his earliest years in the foster care system.  When “interviewing” his prospective parents, Colette and Martin Lawless, he quizzed them on what it would be like to be their little boy. Finding their answers satisfactory, he went home to join his new parents and brother Ed in November 2002. In the judges’ chambers on his adoption day, September 11, 2003, Anthony turned to the extended family gathered for the event and declared, “now I have a family forever!”

Indeed he did.

Anthony’s journey was not always a smooth one. He faced struggles with his mental health, but with his family by his side, he persevered and they walked together on an often rocky road.

Anthony was a competitor, participating with Special Olympics N.Y. in basketball, soccer, floor hockey, softball, flag football and powerlifting, earning the overall silver medal in powerlifting at the USA Games in 2023.

He embraced new adventures and travel, loved trips to Disney, cruises and marathon road trips. A dreamer with a brilliant imagination, Anthony enjoyed immersing himself in new worlds and futuristic stories, playing video games with his cousin Jack and recommending his favorite shows and movies. He had big dreams for himself, with aspirations of being a writer and helping do good here in our own world.

He loved football Sundays, when his home was filled with family on the tumultuous ride of Buffalo Bills fandom – yelling at the game, eating copious amounts of food and most importantly spending time together.

Anthony will be sorely missed by his parents, Colette and Martin Lawless, his brother, Edward, his many aunts, uncles and cousins, and the family of athletes he gained in Special Olympics New York.

The family will welcome visitors on Saturday, April 13 from 11 am to 1 pm at the Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Avenue in Colonie. A memorial service will follow at 1 pm. To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.cannonfuneral.com.

Donations in Anthony’s memory can be made to Special Olympics New York, 94 New Karner Rd. #208 Albany, NY12203, or online at https://qrco.de/Antman