Gregory Lazzaro

1937 - 2025

Gregory Lazzaro, of Irwin, formerly of Penn Hills, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, at the age of 88. Born in Maierato, Calabria, Italy, Gregory emigrated to the United States, arriving at Ellis Island on Jan. 1, 1955. He came to the US with nothing but the goal of working hard and saving money, and the dream of being a good provider for his family. He always told his children he wanted them to have opportunities he never had. In 1995, he proudly became a U.S. citizen. Gregory is survived by his children, Rose (Craig) Fraley and Frank (Celeste) Lazzaro; grandchildren, Alyssa and Gregory Lazzaro; and his former wife, Joanne (Dudas) Lazzaro. He is also survived by his siblings-in-law, Elisabetta Lazzaro, Joseph Castellano, Vincenzo Tavella, and Stephen Dudas; along with many nieces and nephews; and furry family members, especially his best buddy, Bailey. He was preceded in death by his parents, Francescoantonio and Rosaria (Pietropaolo) Lazzaro; siblings Carmella Paravati, Guiseppe Lazzaro, Maria Tavella, and Rosa Castellano; brother-in-law Domenico Paravati; and sister-in-law Judith Dudas. Gregory's main passions in life were his family, working as a heavy equipment operator (to the ripe old age of 85), gardening, and making and gifting wine to family and friends. Gregory had a love for simple but meaningful things. He was a talented cook who enjoyed making rustic Italian meals, and he always kept a large garden that provided far more than enough for family and friends. He also had a knack for landscaping and took pride in keeping things beautiful and well cared for. Gregory especially looked forward to visiting his hometown in Italy each year, where he spent time at the home he built on the land where he grew up, land that today holds huge olive trees that produce oil that keeps his roots alive for future generations. He also loved debating politics (he was never wrong) and planting vegetables everywhere around his house. More than anything, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, who brought him his greatest joy. Family and friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at SOXMAN FUNERAL HOMES LTD./ROTH CHAPEL, 7450 Saltsburg Road (at Universal Road), Penn Hills. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday in St. Joseph Church at Holy Family Parish. Interment will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.