David J. Lazzeri

SPRINGFIELD - David J. Lazzeri, 88, of Springfield died peacefully at St. Joseph's Home on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008.

Born in 1920, the only child of the late David Lazzeri and Clemence Marcy Lazzeri, he was a lifelong resident of Springfield. He was a graduate of Cathedral Boys High School and received a business degree from Springfield College in Illinois. He joined the Army Air Corps in 1942, rose to the rank of technical sergeant and served in England, France and Germany during World War II. He was an accomplished musician, participating in organized bands through high school, with the Knights of Columbus and in the military, even rubbing elbows a few times with the big band members in the wartime era. Mostly, he loved to entertain family and friends playing just about any well-known tune on his accordion.

He began his career as an accountant at the Knights of Columbus and was a fourth-degree member of Council 364 throughout his adult life. He then became owner and president of Lazzeri's Inc. Food Services and operated the St. John's Hospital Coffee Shop for 42 years. He later opened Lazzeri's Restaurant on West Jefferson Street, which served Springfield families for over 10 years. He was an active member, officer and past president of the Illinois Restaurant Association, a member of the VFW and a die-hard Cub fan. Dave lived the American dream, from immigrant parents, coal mining and farming to higher education and a successful career path. He placed a high priority on a strong work ethic, dedication, education and Christian faith, values he imparted in his family throughout his life. A statue on the grounds of the Carol Jo Vecchie Women and Children's Center honors him for his unconditional love of family and children and lifelong dedication to St. John's Hospital.

Dave was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and served as a longstanding parish trustee. He was a permanent installation as an usher at Sunday Mass and instrumental in several fundraising campaigns over the years. He worked very closely with the late Rev. Edward Gorman on the funding, planning and construction of the St. Joseph "Modern Church in the Round" on North Sixth Street in Springfield. Above all, he lived his Catholic faith as a generous, caring, kind gentleman who influenced all of those who knew him.

He married Mary Agnes Sullivan of New Berlin on Oct. 26, 1946, and together they raised a family of seven children, six daughters and a son. The Lazzeri family now also numbers 30 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who gave generously to family and friends alike. Just last week, he celebrated Thanksgiving Day dinner with 69 family members and guests. This longstanding family tradition began in the 1950s, always welcoming the "extended" family back home for the holidays.

Surviving David are his wife, Mary Agnes; a son, David (Susan) Lazzeri of Avondale, Pa.; six daughters, Mary Kathleen (Simon) Cory, Eileen (Fred) Streb, Colleen (Michael) Johnson and Noreen Luhr, all of Springfield, Marleen (Mike) Condit of Bloomfield Village, Mich., and Laureen (Brian) Fitzgerald of East Grand Rapids, Mich.

Family will receive friends from 3:30 to 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1345 N. Sixth St., Springfield.

A funeral Mass will follow at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Monsignor Thomas P. Holinga, celebrant.

Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in David's name to St. John's Hospital Foundation, 800 E. Carpenter St., Springfield, IL 62702; St. Joseph's Home Building Fund, 3306 S. Sixth St., Springfield, IL 62703; or St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1345 N. Sixth St., Springfield, IL 62702.

Please visit David's online life story at www.butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.