Marvin Lazar

LAZAR, Marvin, 90 years old, of Jamaica, Queens, New York. Born November 1, 1932. Died peacefully in his sleep during the morning of October 1, 2023. He is survived by his very dear devoted wife, Norma [Nerenberg] Lazar, of Jamaica, Queens, his son, Dr. Mitchell A. and Dr. Althier Pino Lazar, of Gladwyne, PA, his son Steven R. Lazar and Dr. Deborah Sweet, of Arlington, MA, and his son, Bart A. Lazar, of Chicago, IL. He is also survived by his brother Myron Lazar and Nina Lazar of Cedar Grove, NJ. He was blessed with the love of his four very special grandchildren: Zachary G. Lazar, of New York, NY, Rachel A. Lazar, of Chicago, IL; Naomi I. Lazar, of Chicago, IL; and Aaron R. Lazar, of New York, NY. He also loved spending time with Norma’s family: siblings Martha, Harry and Eva, her daughter Allison Lucas and James DeFilippis, and grandchildren, Alexa and Marley.

Marv was born and raised in the Jerome and Montgomery Avenues in the Bronx, NY to his late father Samuel Alexander Lazar and late mother Ida [Weiss] Lazar along with his younger brothers Myron and the late Lawrence Lazar. Although he resided a short distance from Yankee Stadium, Marv became a devoted fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers, and the New York Mets. As the son of a plumber, he enjoyed understanding how things work. He commuted to Columbia University, where he earned his bachelor and master degrees in Mechanical Engineering. He became an engineer in the defense industry, handling quality control for major projects, including navigation systems for nuclear submarines and national weather radar systems. For the last 25+ years of his career he worked for Sperry Corporation (later UniSys) where became a leader in the engineers's union before assuming management positions where he always valued human relations as well as productivity among his team of employees.

In June 1954, Marv married Fern Menkis, also of the Bronx, and they resided in Frankfurt, Germany during Marv’s military service, where he first became a father to Mitchell in April 1956. After military service, Marv and Fern returned to reside in New Jersey and then in Babylon and Syosset on Long Island. Marv and Fern had sons Steven in May 1959; and Bart in March 1961. As a father of three young sons, Marv thrived in his career, while spending many hours engaging with his sons in sports and gamesmanship. He managed, coached and/or attended hundreds of his sons’ sports games. Marv regularly enjoyed games of bridge with friends, strategic board games with family and was an accomplished dancer and public speaker - renowned by his family for his smooth timing and comedic wit.

His first marriage ended in 1978. After some years of single living, Marv was fortunate enough to meet Norma. On their first date, Marv learned of Norma’s shared love for the New York Mets, and he immediately [jokingly] proposed. This instinct turned out to be prescient, as he and Norma married in October 1998 and from then on were practically inseparable. Together they enjoyed a rich and fulfilling retirement, traveling to exotic destinations such as Galapagos and Alaska; and enjoying time with friends, family and each other. They established shared traditions along the way, including annual viewing of their wedding video, sending personalized home-made birthday cards and, of course, many hours watching their beloved Mets.

Marv will be remembered for his warmth, his sense of humor, his welcoming demeanor and his smile. Most of all, we will always cherish his consistent devotion to family - Marv was there through thick and thin - whether to celebrate with a smile, or to express his concern and gentle encouragement. Marv lived to see his sons and family thrive and to share in so many meaningful events over the years. His easygoing and supportive spirit will be with us always.