Charles Phillip Lazzara's Obituary
Charles Phillip Lazzara, age 78, of Pleasant Hills, PA, formerly of Chicago, passed away peacefully at home on January 10, 2021. Charles is survived by his beloved children; Deborah (Mark) Field, Noxen, PA and David (Tina) Lazzara, New Kensington PA; Grandchildren Jason and Scott Field, Antionette VanKirk; Sister, Lydia (Joseph) Selbka; two brothers, Phillip (Patti) Lazzara, Jack Lazzara; Sister-in-Law, Kathleen (George) Peña; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara Katherine (Bielak) Lazzara, and his parents Phillip and Sophie (Wajda) Lazzara. Charles was born in Chicago, IL on February 23, 1942. He attended St. Ann's Elementary School and served as an altar boy for St. Ann's Church. He attended St. Ignatius High School where he was on the track and cross country teams. He went to college at Northern Illinois University where he met his wife of over 50 years, Barbara, and was president of the Honor Society. He received his doctorate from Loyola University of Chicago and did his post doctoral fellowship at Illinois Institute of Gas Technology in Chicago. He married the love of his life Barbara Katherine Bielak, on June 5th, 1965. They welcomed their daughter Deborah in 1968. In 1971 he accepted a position at the U.S. Bureau of Mines and the family moved to the Pittsburgh area. Their son David joined the family in 1973.During his 36 years of government service at the U.S. Bureau of Mines, later incorporated into the Department of Energy and then NIOSH, he earned the Distinguished Service Award, applied for a patent with co-workers, and his research was published on numerous occasions. The research he participated in contributed to innovations that are still used today and make mining safer for all those involved in the industry. Throughout his tenure with the government, he was able to do research and attend conferences throughout the United States and the world, including Poland and Australia. He made several lifelong friends during his time with the organization.Away from work he had a variety of interests. He was very involved with his church, St. Elizabeth of Hungary. He regularly volunteered at the weekly parish bingo, worked at the Spring-A-Rama, was a collection counter, and assisted in church decorating. He was a member of a bowling league for many years, enjoyed the annual Renaissance festival, and was actively involved in Boy Scouts. He served as the den leader for his son's Cub Scout den. He was a loving and active father who, over the years, attended many sporting events, plays, and concerts. He always remained close with his family in Chicago and visited regularly along with his wife and children. Christmas was always celebrated in Chicago, when, each year, he would get out the "Dreaded Tripod" for the annual family photo. He enjoyed visiting and hunting with the boys on his brother-in-law's farm. In Chicago he would indulge in Veteran's Tamales, Ceaser's Pierogis, and Weber's Baked Goods. He and his wife were able to go on several wonderful trips and loved spending time with family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all. Visitation will be held at the Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pleasant Hills, on Thursday, January 14, from 4 to 7 PM. COVID-19 precautions will be observed. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Elizabeth worship site, 1 Grove Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15236, on Friday, January 15th at 10 AM. Those attending the church service should assemble at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, 139 Gill Hall Road, Jefferson Hills, Pa, 15025. Condolences may be left at www.jeffersonmemorial.biz.
What’s your fondest memory of Charles?
What’s a lesson you learned from Charles?
Share a story where Charles' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Charles you’ll never forget.
How did Charles make you smile?