Michael was born in Clarke's Beach, Conception Bay North, July 28, 1915, the fourth child of Edward and Mary Lawlor.
Michael enlisted in the army on September 8, 1940 and served overseas until the end of the War. Michael received the British Empire Medal for bravery in the line of duty on July 17, 1944 in Norry-en-Bessin, France. His name appeared in the London Gazette on Tuesday, 12th. December 1944, along with another Gunner from Newfoundland, Dick Maloney.
Michael returned after the war and spent the next part of his life as a driller at the Bell Island mines working for Dosco.
Michael married Kathleen Costello.

He died on July 25, 1985 in North River.