Giovanni Lazzara, a longtime resident of New Rochelle, died peacefully at home on September 26, 2020. He was 71.
Giovanni was born on May 23, 1949 in Sommatino, Sicily to the late Salvatore and Vincenza (Citta) Lazzara.
Giovanni came to America in 1967 and met his loving wife in 1972. Together they were the definition of family. They created the home you wanted to hang out in, the food you wanted to eat and the love for laughter and celebration. They raised their children to have this same love for family and worked each and every day to live and strive for the American dream. Giovanni began his career as a Chef and spent many years at the NYC Downtown Athletic Club (11 years) and the Colony Club (18 years). He then found a love for the craft of woodworking and dove into contracting which he enjoyed for many years. Building a business based on a handshake and passion for perfection. Giovanni had a love for people. He was selfless and no matter who you were – if you knew Giovanni, you were loved. His smile lit up a room and his stories were so detailed, he would bring you back in time. Being with extended family and friends on a Sunday afternoon was his definition of love, success and pride.
Giovanni is survived by his loving and always giving wife the former Maria Luisa Furgiuele; his sons Giovanni Lazzara, Jr. and Daniel Lazzara; his daughter-in-law Hillari Lazzara; his grandsons whom he loved with all he had – Henry and Harrison Lazzara as well as several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother Michael Lazzara and his sisters Vincenza Pillitteri and Angela Santacroce.
Visiting hours will be Monday 4-8pm at Sisto & Paino Inc. 16 Shea Pl. New Rochelle. A funeral Mass is scheduled for Tuesday 10:30am at Blessed Sacrament Church. Interment will follow at Greenwood Union Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family kindly asks that you consider a donation to one of the following charities in Giovanni’s memory:
https://www.healthwellfoundation.org/
https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/