Michael Z Lazor

Michael Lazor was born in Tarrytown, New York, on June 19, 1931, to the late John and Suzanna (Zidovsky) Lazor, originally from Czechoslovakia. Michael grew up in Tarrytown, where he often said he learned as much from his locker-room job at the Sleepy Hollow Country Club as he did at North Tarrytown High School. A club member encouraged him to consider Williams College, a suggestion that became a defining and beloved turning point in his life. He immersed himself fully in campus life, serving as President of Alpha Delta Phi fraternity, Class President, and captain of the basketball team his senior year.

While studying at Columbia Medical School, a patient introduced him to Jeanne Flagler, with whom he shared 59 years of marriage. Together, they built a home filled with love, lively conversation, and a steady stream of friends and family.

After completing his residency in Madison, Wisconsin, and a rotation at the NIH, Michael and Jeanne settled in West Hartford, Connecticut, where he practiced nephrology at Hartford Hospital with skill, dedication, and a genuine commitment to his patients. For many years, he also served as Chair of the Nephrology Department.

In 1996, he played a key role in forming Connecticut Multi-Specialty Group, bringing together physicians from several practices to enhance patient care. CMG grew into one of the largest multispecialty groups in New England and now includes more than 200 providers.

Michael's life was rich with interests and routines that reflected his personality -- generous, curious, humorous, and always engaged with the world. A passionate traveler, he delighted in discovering new places and returning to old favorites. He nurtured a thriving garden, loved to cook, and approached food with the same enthusiasm he brought to everything else.

Michael was an avid sports fan, faithfully cheering for the New York Giants, the Knicks, the Yankees, and UConn basketball.

His porch was famously stacked with daily newspapers, which he read from front to back, keeping him informed and always ready with an opinion, an anecdote, or a spirited debate. Storytelling came naturally to him - often long-winded, always entertaining. And in his home, thank-you notes were not optional; they were a reflection of gratitude, respect, and the importance he placed on thoughtful gestures.

Michael was a devoted husband, physician, a loyal friend, and above all, a loving father and grandfather. He is survived by his three children-Catherine Bunting (Lloyd), Diane Elkins, and Lawrence Lazor (Felicia); his grandchildren, Michael Elkins, Caroline Bunting, Kathleen Elkins, Abigail Bunting, Davis Elkins, Jack Lazor, Matthew Lazor, and Sophia Lazor; and his great-grandchildren, Mija Elkins, Joon Elkins, Luca Maia, and Wilson Elkins.

In the final years of his life, he was surrounded by remarkable caregivers, Rojo, Keniemo, and Ana, whose love, kindness, patience, and unwavering dedication brought comfort and dignity to each day.

His presence, his stories, and his enduring curiosity about the world will be deeply missed and forever remembered.