Paul was born January 13, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois, to Antoinette Nuzzo Lazzaro and Paul Frank Lazzaro. Raised in the public housing projects of Chicago, Paul had an eye toward a bigger life and joined the United States Navy during the Korean War, serving as a Journalist Second Class, because, as he described, “I knew how to type, so they put me in special services.” He later served on the USS Bennington aircraft carrier. While the ship was undergoing repairs in New York Harbor in 1955, Marilyn Monroe was in town to promote her movie “The Seven Year Itch” and was invited to visit the ship. Paul was asked pose in a publicity shot with the movie star and the resulting official Navy photograph of a young sailor kissing Marilyn Monroe became the first of Paul’s many touches with fame.
After the Navy, Paul worked as a DJ at a rock and roll station in Selma, Alabama, where he cultivated his love of popular music and stood up to critics, including the KKK, who were opposed to the new and progressive music he played. He began a long career in marketing and public relations when he returned to his hometown of Chicago in 1961. In 1971 he moved to the suburbs of Washington, DC as a pioneering member of the original marketing team that created the world’s greatest hotel brand, Marriott Hotels and Resorts. He served as the company’s first Vice President of Public Relations where he created the benchmark for Marriott’s worldwide public relations and special events programs. He personally created and staged grand openings and events for Marriott properties in 30 countries and cities around the world. Paul worked in tandem with the U.S. State Department in hosting the return of the Iranian Hostages at the Crystal City Marriott Hotel when they arrived in Washington, D.C. to be welcomed by President Ronald Reagan.
Paul moved to Fort Worth, Texas, in 1985 where he opened his own public relations and marketing firm. He relocated to The Woodlands in 1998 as vice president of marketing and public affairs for The Woodlands Operating Company, where he created The Woodlands’ mascot, “Puffy the Pine Cone.” Paul retired on December 5, 2003 but continued to work as a marketing consultant and launched a post-retirement career as a political consultant and media advisor for candidates and issues in key local, county, and state elections. He continued to work on campaigns until about two months before he died. Paul had a deep appreciation for and commitment to The Woodlands and its residents. Paul founded “The Woodlands Residents’ Advocates” brand to support efforts to incorporate The Woodlands as a city.
Those who knew Paul will miss his sharp wit, keen observations, capacity to enjoy life, and the deep loyalty he had for his close friends and family. His enjoyment of music (and big high-fidelity sound systems) lives on in his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his daughters Catherine Lazzaro and Caryl Lazzaro Flannery, and his grandchildren Joe, Brian and Sean Flannery. Lazzaro’s son Christopher predeceased him. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 11, 2020 at 1:00 pm at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home and Cemetery, 18000 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, TX 77384. Charitable contributions may be made to Interfaith of the Woodlands.
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