Joseph S. Lazzaro's Obituary
Joseph S. Lazzaro, 92, died at his home in Westvale on April 18 surrounded by family.
Joe was born in Syracuse on December 3, 1927, to John and Rose (Giarratano) Lazzaro, and he lived in Syracuse his entire life. Joe was the epitome of the self-made man. He lost both parents by age 14, but he persevered. He attended Christian Brothers Academy on a football scholarship and joined the Navy in 1945. He received an honorable discharge in 1947 at war’s end, then became a skilled carpenter and an equally skilled dancer. In fact, it was at a community dance that Joe met his future wife, Josephine Romano, whom he married in 1951, and who survives him. (Their prowess on the dance floor has become the stuff of legend!)
Joe and his brother, John, became business partners and were successful in both the building and demolition trades. They formed Lazzaro Brothers, General Contractors, in the 1960’s, and eventually built Cliffside Mobile Home Park in Jamesville. During this time, Joe and John were two of the principals responsible for bringing the Syracuse Blazers hockey team to town. Joe remained active with the Blazers throughout their existence and was one of their most vocal and passionate cheerleaders!
Joe faced many challenges in his lifetime, but none was as formidable as the cliff that threatened the livelihood of Cliffside Park in 1982. Realizing that the safety and security of his family and the families who lived in the park were at stake, Joe took the dangerous part of the cliff down, boulder by boulder. It was all in a day’s work for Joe, but the Syracuse Newspapers thought otherwise and dubbed him, “Cliff-Killer Lazzaro”. Through that challenge, as well as others thrown his way, Joe was steadfastly supported by Josie, his favorite dance partner as well as life partner. She lovingly stood by his side for 70 years, including the last few difficult ones during which she cared for him with unflinching devotion and, of course, delicious food!
Along with love for his wife and the great pride he took in his work and achievements, Joe experienced enormous joy in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Nothing mattered more in his life. He is survived by his children, Kathleen Lazzaro Pickard (James), Joseph M. Lazzaro (Lorraine Riedl), and Jodi Lazzaro Wadach (Don Winters), who will remember him as an incredibly great and generous force in their lives.
Also surviving him are his six grandchildren whom he deeply loved. They all fondly remember his steadfast attendance at every band concert, every theatrical adventure, every athletic event, every anything they were involved in -- it didn’t matter, Grandpa was always there, and they loved him for it. They are: Joseph M. Lazzaro (Danielle), Kellen Wadach (Brooke), Christina Pickard (Tim Robathan), William Lazzaro (Cynthia), Jeremy Pickard (Lani Fu), and Kate Wadach Williams (Rob).
Joe was fortunate to be able to welcome eleven great-grandchildren. And although his health was failing considerably, they brought him much joy. They are: Juliana Lazzaro; Jack and Audrey Wadach; Alba and Lilia Robathan; Ava, Callie, and Isabelle Lazzaro, and Henry, Claire, and Thomas Williams. (According to one of them, Grandpa is now “floating on a puffy white cloud.”)
Joe also is survived by two sisters, Lucille Gatto (Ron) and Marguerite Di Chiera, as well as many nieces and nephews.
A graveside memorial service and joyous celebration of the life of an amazing man, Joseph S. Lazzaro, will be held on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 10:30 am with military honors by the Naval Honor Guard, in section 30 of Assumption Cemetery, 2401 Court St, Syracuse, NY 13208 (look for royal blue tent). A luncheon will follow the services.
You are welcome to honor Joe by contributing to a charity that would be meaningful to him. We suggest Clear Path for Veterans (clearpath4vets.com), All Faiths Food Pantry, 406 Court Street, Syracuse, NY 13208, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital (stjude.org).
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