John J. Lyons

John Lyons passed away peacefully Monday morning, January 11, 2016, after 88 wonderful years on this earth. His loving and devoted wife, Jane Lyons, was by his side just as she has been for over 34 years. John was born in Binghamton, NY on November 27, 1927. He started college at the age of 17, but was interrupted by life's events a number of times. He served briefly in the military during the WWII years, and was honorably discharged on December 31, 1945. Under the original GI Bill, John completed college and graduated from his beloved Fordham Law School in 1957. He moved to Florida, passed the FL State Bar and started practicing law in Sarasota shortly thereafter. John previously served as a Certified Circuit Court Mediator and an Associate Municipal Judge in the City of Sarasota. In recent years, John has been recognized by the Florida State Bar for over 50 years of practicing law, including more than 30 years as a Board Certified Attorney in Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning. Much to his law partners' chagrin, he would frequently receive notes stating, 'John, We noticed there was no lawyer fee on the final document ?' With Jane at his side, he enjoyed travel, skiing, sailing and tennis and the company of great friends. When asked what accomplishment he was most proud of, he answered without hesitation, 'Winning Jane's love.' He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Jane C. Lyons; and his daughters and their spouses: Christine (and John) Saunders, Catherine (and Fritz) Geisler, and Caren Lyons; his grandchildren: Mary, John, Sarah, Christina, Maximilian, and Katelyn. He was pre deceased by his parents, Mary and Edward Lyons, his brother, James Lyons and his nephew, Edward. He is also survived by his 3 stepchildren: Debbie, Toby and Andy and 13 more grandchildren; his nieces and nephews: Susan, Patricia, Margaret, Richard, Mary, and John; his brother in law and family, Brook, Joyce and Julie Crawford; and his best friend, Jack Shea. He was a kind and loving father and husband and will be greatly greatly missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Caritas of St Martha's in John's name. Funeral arrangements by Toale Brothers Funeral Home. Visitation will be Thursday at Toale Bros. Colonial Chapel from 5-7pm. Funeral service will be at St. Martha's Roman Catholic Church, Friday at 1pm, burial to follow at Sarasota Memorial Park.

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John J. Lyons

November 27, 1927 - January 11, 2016