Joseph Lazar

Joseph F. Lazar, age 83, of Westlake, Ohio passed away Friday, October 3, 2025. He was born July 17, 1942, in Cleveland, Ohio. At age 13 he moved to Westlake to be raised at the home of Dora and Heinrich Essig. While Joe continued to visit and hold ties to his mother Mary and sister Anita throughout his life, he became part of the Essig family and grew deep roots in their hearts and the community of Westlake and beyond.

While Joe's formal education stopped early, he was a lifelong learner who knew the most valuable lessons were to truly care for others and put your full effort into everything you choose to put your hands to. While truly a "Jack-of-all Trades", who enjoyed helping maintain properties (inside and out), operate and repair farm and lawn equipment, and "tinker" and "putter" around the barn, Joe's profession was a driver. He was a truck driver for thirty plus years, and even when retired he could be found taking hours' long drives just for the sake of the drive. He enjoyed traveling and had visited almost every continent and enjoyed many cruises. In retirement, Joe kept busy working as a crossing guard for the City of Westlake, ensuring its children could safely cross the streets for school and home. He was a quiet, constant attender of weekly Mass at Holy Trinity Church in Avon, a faithful supporter of the FOP and its associated charitable work. But mostly, Joe was a man who cared about others and created lasting bonds with the people fortunate enough to call him friend or family.

Joe was the son of the late Mary Lazar and brother to the late Anita (William) Hajdu. He was the uncle of William (Jennifer) Hajdu, their children, Jamie Gerhardstein (Nick), Jodie Hajdu, Julie Hadju, Jeremy Hajdu and Jorey Hajdu; uncle of Anthony (Michelle) Hajdu, their children, Anthony Hajdu and Samantha Hajdu, and uncle of Mark (Tammy) Hajdu and their son, Vincent Hajdu.

Joe was raised and considered family by the late Heinrich and Dora Essig; their son and daughter-in-law Henry and Grace Essig (also deceased); and Henry and Grace's family; Richard (Barbara), their children, Jeremy Essig, and Jenna (Ryan) Eastham; Barbara (Ted) Macy, their children, Michelle (Phil) Hock, Suzie (Kevin) Lisbon, and Thomas (Sarah) Macy; Thomas Essig; and the late George (Linda) Essig and their son, Anthony Essig.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Western Cuyahoga FOP Lodge #25, PO Box 45146, Westlake, OH 44145 or https://unionly.io/o/foplodge25/lodge-25-donations.

Friends are invited to gather for a memorial visitation on Sunday, October 19, 2025 from 3:00-6:00pm at Busch Funeral Home, 32000 Detroit Road, Avon, OH 44011. www.buschcares.com 440-937-6175