After my 1st child went through the process of playing a trumpet in band while in elementary, I knew by how many times we had it repaired, the quality was not great.
So when my son decided he also wanted to try the trumpet, it was time to inquire advice from my good friend (and band director), Micah Carrick. 
Of course he sent me to Lazar music.
I was able to see his Mr Lazar’s **unmatched passion for music, his instruments, and his dedication to either renting or selling them to students in his community. I was assured of the quality of what he was selling vs what I had used the prior years.

Since I didn’t know how long my son may stay interested in band, I wanted to rent a trumpet from him. 
He wanted me to walk out of his store with a much better deal than renting one would provide. And his other goal was for me to walk out of his store with a high-quality, top notch brand trumpet.

He not only discussed price and information, but he physically got the trumpet out of its case and took the time to show me specifically **WHY it was a high-quality product. 

I was just a dad with very limited knowledge and he knew that. BUT instead of patronize
and oversell me, he explained things to me in detail.
Later, when my son’s interest changed and he got involved in different activities, we passed it down to my nephew, who was also wanting to play the trumpet.  
**So there you go, Mr. Lazar touched 2 student’s lives in a single transaction. 

I saw an overall genuine kindness when he met a clueless dad who loved his son and was just doing the best that he could. 

That was many years ago and my son is grown now. But when I drive on Whipple and pass the plaza where his store was located, I think of that moment.  every. single.  time. 

Prayers to Mr. Lazar’s family. 
Specifically, prayers for peace that is so strong that it could only have come from God.
Peace that “surpasses all understanding”❤️🌹 
Philippians 4:6-7

Condolences  to the family.
I will miss seeing  him in and out of the beauty shop next door to his music shop.
Always smiling loved getting his goodies from Nancy. 

Jackie Leisure

Don and I met in the 5th grade as neighbors we shared many adventures together. While attending some of the same classes at Timken Vocational High School we also spent time hitchhiking to and from Brookside C.C. caddying on the weekends. I remember his practice time for his music always came before anything. His devotion to music made him very well respected in the Stark county area and beyond. His place of business was a gathering spot to discuss and of course solve all the problems of the world,  Donald I'm going to miss those talks and your input

May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time,
 May you come to know that the love of God is with you always, 

May your memories of Donald Russell Lazar, give you peace, comfort and strength…

Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete. 
I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. 
You will not be forgotten... 
My thoughts
and prayers to the family of ….

US Army Veteran, Donald Russell Lazar, is “A True American Hero” God Bless†

† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †

My sympathy to the Lazar Family.  Mr. Lazar introduced me to the trumpet at Strasburg in the late 70's. Music became the center of my Jr. High and High School life. My memories were of how kind and generous he was. He filled countless lives of children and teens by introducing them to music.  A great loss.

I’ve known Don since I was in high school in the 70’s. Don used to come to our School, Dover High School on Fridays around lunchtime. I had a study hall before lunch period my senior year and any of those I normally was at the band room to do private practice. I always brought up repairs and anything Fred (Delphia) had ordered. To thank me, Don and Fred would take me out to lunch normally at the Brooklyn Grill!! As I was preparing to go into the Navy Band, Don sold my mother and Father my first professional Trumpet and flugelhorn at a very reduced price. He always liked my mom and dad and myself, he really took care of me. During one of the tours I did with the Navy Show Band , a fender Rhodes piano tipped and crushed my trumpet he sold me. Called him and asked him to please order me a new one and I’d explain when I see him. He kept saying, “I’ll order it for you but maybe I can repair it for you “, I hadn’t told him what happened. When I got to his store I laid my flat as a pancake trumpet on his desk said , here you go Don. His eyes were huge!! Had no idea. Was funny and Don kept that flat trumpet hanging over his repair shop door for years. I tried to always stop at the store to see him whenever I got home. Don took care of everybody just as well as he did me. He helped so many students and pros musicians around the state over his life. He always had that tough guy outward personality but he also had a very caring sensitive side that some of us knew.  He will be missed by so many . I want to send my deepest condolences to his family and friends. 
Corey

OBITUARY

Donald Russell Lazar

September 11, 1942 – April 26, 2026

Karlo-Libby Funeral Home & Sunset Hills Memory Gardens

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