David J. Lazzeri

David J. Lazzeri, 88, of Springfield, died peacefully at St. Joseph's Home on Sunday, November 30, 2008. Born in 1920, the only child of the late David Lazzeri and Clemence Marcy Lazzeri, he was a lifelong resident of Springfield. He was a graduate of Cathedral Boys High School and received a business degree from Springfield College in Illinois. He joined the Army Air Corp in 1942, rose to the rank of Tech Sergeant, and served in England, France, and Germany during WW II. He was an accomplished musician, participating in organized bands through high school, with the Knight's of Columbus and in the military, even rubbing elbows a few times with the big band members in the wartime era. Mostly, he loved to entertain family and friends playing just about any well known tune on his accordion. He began his career as an accountant at the Knights of Columbus and was a 4th degree member of council 364 throughout his adult life. He then became owner and President of Lazzeri's Inc. Food Services and operated the St. John's Hospital Coffee Shop for 42 years. He later opened Lazzeri's Restaurant on West Jefferson Street, which served Springfield families for over 10 years. He was an active member, officer, and past President of the Illinois Restaurant Association, a member of the VFW, and a die-hard Cub fan. Dave lived the American Dream, from immigrant parents, coal mining, and farming to higher education and a successful career path. He placed high priority on a strong work ethic, dedication, education, and Christian faith, values he imparted in his family throughout his life. A statue on the grounds of Carol Jo Vecchie Women & Children's Center honors him for his unconditional love of family and children and lifelong dedication to St. John's Hospital. Dave was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and served as a longstanding parish trustee. He was a permanent installation as an usher at Sunday mass and instrumental in several fund raising campaigns over the years. He worked very closely with the late Reverend Edward Gorman on the funding, planning, and construction of the St. Joseph "Modern Church in the Round" on North 6th Street in Springfield. Above all, he lived his Catholic faith as a generous, caring, kind, gentleman, who influenced all of those who knew him. He married Mary Agnes Sullivan of New Berlin, Illinois on October 26, 1946 and together they raised a family of seven children, six daughters and one son. The Lazzari family now also numbers 30 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, who gave generously to family and friends alike. Just last week, he celebrated Thanksgiving Day dinner with 69 family members and guests. This longstanding family tradition began in the fifties, always welcoming the "extended" family back home for the holidays. Surviving David are his wife, Mary Agnes, One son, David (Susan) Lazzeri of Avondale, Pa., six daughters, Mary Kathleen (Simon) Cory, Eileen (Fred) Streb, Colleen (Michael) Johnson, and Noreen Luhr, all of Springfield, Marleen (Mike) Condit of Bloomfield Village, MI, and Laureen (Brian) Fitzgerald of East Grand Rapids, MI. Family will receive friends from 3:30-6:45 p.m. on Thursday, December 4, 2008 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1345 N. 6th St., Springfield. A funeral mass will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Msgr. Thomas P. Holinga, celebrant Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in David's name to St. John's Hospital Foundation, 800 E. Carpenter St., Springfield, IL 62702, St. Joseph's Home Building Fund, 3306 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL 62703, or St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1345 N. 6th St., Springfield, IL 62702.