Ion Lazar

Born on July 22, 1973, in Bucharest, Romania, Ion’s life was one of dedication, intellect, and service. He moved to New York City in 1990, where he spent two years before settling in New Orleans in 1992 to pursue his education at the Tulane University Business School. New Orleans became his home, and he remained a devoted member of the community until his passing.

Ion was a loving husband to Madalina "Maddie" Lazar, his wife of 24 years, and a devoted father to John (6) and Sophia (17). He is also survived by his beloved mother, Anca Lazar. He was preceded in death by his father, Ioan-Sandu Lazar.

Beyond his family, Ion was a passionate and respected member of numerous Masonic and research organizations. He was raised to Master Mason in Germania Lodge in January 2001, a Master of Germania Lodge #46 in 2004, and held plural membership in Paul M. Schneidau Lodge #391, served as General Treasurer of the New Orleans Valley (Scottish Rite, since 2010) and completed all 4 “Lines” of the New Orleans Valley, coronated Inspector General Honorary, 33rd Degree (Scottish Rite, 2013), Past Grand Commander of Knights Templar in Louisiana (York Rite, 2017), and served as Chief Adept of the Louisiana College SRICF. In Capitular Masonry, he was exalted to the Royal Arch Degree in Babylon Chapter #66 (2003) and held plural memberships in Sts. John Chapter and Orleans-Delta Chapter #1. In Cryptic Masonry he was greeted as a Select Master in New Orleans Council #35 (2003) and held plural memberships in Sts. John Council #41, Louisiana Council #2 and St. Bernard Council #54. In Templar Masonry Ion was knighted in Indivisible Friends Commandery #1 (2003) and held plural membership in Jacques DeMolay Commandery #2, Ivanhoe Commandery #19, and CA Everitt Commandery #29. He also served in many positions, committees and programs as part of: The Scottish Rite Research Society, Louisiana Lodge of Research, Knights of the York Cross of Honor, Red Cross of Constantine, Allied Masonic Degrees, Knight Masons, York Rite College, Order of St. Thomas of Acon, Royal Order of Scotland, Grand College of Rites, Ancient Order of the Scarlet Cord, The Operatives, Order of the Secret Monitor, The Masonic Order of Athelstan, Knights Occidental, Ancient Order of Corks, HRAKTP, Order of High Priesthood, Order of the Silver Trowel, Knights Crusaders of the Cross, Sovereign Order of Knights Preceptor, Shriners Internationals, Order of the Eastern Star, Order of the Amaranth, National Sojourners, High Twelve Club, The Masonic Society, Dormer Masonic Study Circle, Southern California Research Lodge, Masonic Book Club, Philalethes Society and many more. He was an accomplished writer with work published in the Heredom, Scottish Rite Journal, The Tresleboard, and AMD Miscellanea. Other philanthropic activities he was passionate about include The Order of the Crown of Thorns, The Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem and Knights Templar Eye Foundation (patron & life member).

Ion’s kindness, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to his family, friends, and the organizations he served will be deeply missed. May his memory be eternal.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral service in the chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans, on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 2:00PM. A visitation will be held at the funeral home beginning at 11:00AM, with a Masonic Ceremony at 1:00PM. The interment will follow the chapel service at Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that small donations be made in Ion’s memory to Knights Templar Eye Foundation (https://www.ktef.org/) or The Lighthouse for The Blind (https://www.lighthouselouisiana.org).

To view and sign the online guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com