Michael LAZZARA

LAZZARA, Michael Alfonso businessman and beloved son, brother, father, uncle, cousin, grandfather and friend, died Friday afternoon, August 13, 2021, in St. Pete Beach, FL, at age 70. He spent his final weeks at home, lovingly attended by his brother, Dr. Robert Lazzara MD, and his wife Sherrie. Michael was born into a vibrant Sicilian-American family in Tampa, FL, to Tony and Mary (Cappello) Lazzara July 10, 1951, at Centro Asturiano Hospital, the third of four sons. He graduated from Jesuit High School in Tampa in 1969, and attended Georgetown University in Washington, DC, where he continued his formation as a man for others. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Business in 1973 and joined his father in running petroleum distribution (Lazzara Oil) and car wash equipment (Plaza) companies. Michael once dreamed of joining the Peace Corps, and never lost his altruism and concern for his fellow man. In 1984, he, his father, and brother, Dr. Anthony Lazzara MD, founded the Villa La Paz Foundation to support Dr. Lazzara's charity for sick children in Peru. As its President, Michael managed the foundation so his brother could dedicate his life to a higher purpose. Michael's children, Sarah Lazzara (Kenneth Thompson), Ann Marie Van Asten (Craig), and Ashley Lazzara, were the source of countless joys for him, and their children promoted him to the grandfatherly role of "Nano," which he fully embraced. They include Savannah, Kendra and Jasmine Thompson; Joseph, Kody and Lacey Van Asten; and Hailey and Cambria Pryor. In addition to his children, grandchildren, and brothers, Anthony and Robert, other survivors include brother, Richard (Celeste); dear friend and the mother of his children, Marianne; and cherished nieces and nephews. Though he imagined retiring to Costa Rica, Michael never left the beach he had loved since childhood. A connoisseur of the finer things, he was known for his charm by those who witnessed him in his element, namely at one of the St. Petersburg Yacht Clubs. However, those who truly knew him will remember Michael from his handwritten notes in which he expressed himself with a rare sincerity. He leaves behind a legacy of love, family and caretaking, and will be profoundly missed. There will be a scattering of Michael's ashes on St. Pete Beach in October, date and time to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations are kindly requested in Michael's memory to the Villa La Paz Foundation, PO Box 76507, St. Petersburg, FL, 33734, or at villalapazfoundation.org.