Steven M. Lazzara, age 57, suddenly, late of Chicago, formerly of Calumet City. Beloved son of Michael and the late Millicent (née Malak); loving brother of Michele (Tim); doting uncle of Angelina, Timothy, and Jackson. Steven was a Will County Land Use Planner with many years of dedicated service, and a former track manager at Route 66 Speedway.
Memorial Visitation Sunday, May 19th, from 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Thornridge Funeral Home (Janusz Family Funeral Service) 15801 S. Cottage Grove Ave., four blocks North of 162nd St. (Rte. 6) Dolton / South Holland. Memorial Mass Monday, May 20th, 10:00 a.m., at St. Andrew the Apostle Church, 768 Lincoln Ave., Calumet City. Future Inurnment Holy Cross Cemetery.
1962 - May 08, 2019
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Mourning the very unexpected passing of a dear friend and colleague, Steve Lazzara.
We were absolutely shocked to hear this and I still can hardly believe it. I had just talked with him a few weeks ago or so. Steve was an exceptional individual, touched a lot of people (but with no hugging - he hated that!) — indeed, he will be greatly missed in Chicagoland and the many other connections he had besides.
I first met Steve while we were working on our Masters at UIC, and we subsequently formed a deep bond in the trenches of the Will County (Illinois) Land Use Department. I remember when it was just the two of us trying to plan for what was then the fastest growing county in the US outside of the sunbelt — that bond continued to this day, and throughout all, he was a gregarious co-worker, a faithful friend, and one of the most unique personalities I have ever met. It is because he was always connecting people that I am posting this here, because so many of you knew and worked with him and were impacted by his life. Steve lost his mother some years back, and now please keep his father and sister in your prayers for the loss of a son and brother. If you had the pleasure of knowing Steve, please take a moment to give thanks for his memory.
Tyson Warner
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| Rod Tonelli, Steve Lazzara (Rest in Peace), and Ty Warner |
Steve was a true friend in the greatest sense of the word. Always lifting up and looking out for others. His life was complicated and hard, yet he always saw the best in those around him. I am deeply saddened by his departure, but grateful for the love he brought to the world. He will be in my heart always alway always. We should all look out for each other the way Steve looked out for those who needed him.
Steve was the best friend a person could ask for. Kind, generous, honest, reliable, enthusiastic, and real! I will miss him ordering meals insisting that the meat be "burnt to a crisp". He really loved his family and spoke of them often, I even have recent pictures of the dog Milo he sent to me. My sincere condolences to his father, sister, nieces and nephews. His sense of adventure and zest for life will remain forever. I look forward to seeing him on the flip side. He'll be waiting with a huge smile and his shy laugh and planning something fun.
Jamy L Lyne
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John McIntyre
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Kirsten Steeves
Nancy Mika
Steve was a dedicated planner and respected colleague in Will County with a gift for bringing people together around shared community goals
Alicia Hanlon
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Colin Duesing sent me these photos from Will County — can you add them to the blog? (I remember that day!)
It was neat to see so many people from several eras of Will County at the visitation Sunday, and then a peaceful service yesterday morning. After hearing Steve tell so many stories about them it was nice to finally meet his Dad and sister.
Ty Warner
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Steve and I met as children. We grew up on the same street in Calumet City. Life happens and we parted ways, I moved to Ohio. We reconnected on our 30th High School reunion in 2010 (on Steve's Facebook picture he's is wearing a red shirt and tie. I'm sitting on the other side of him with my forearm crutch) We both suffered from spinal cord injuries and had very similar health issues, many of which were embarrassing and humiliating. He and I laughed at ourselves when we spoke to teach other. That's what I enjoyed about being with him, laughing. Over the years we'd text but rarely spoke on the phone. However, on May 7, 2019 Steve called me. We spoke for more than an hour. It was a great conversation. There was laughter yet it was very serious. I told him that I cared for him very much. We loved each other. I miss him dearly. Until we meet again my brother.
Dave Bogovich Aiken, SC
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Sorry to hear, Steve was a great friend and will be missed. I can never go by the race track without thinking of him.
Jim Testin
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Steve was a great planner, and more importantly, a great person. The world is a better place because of Steve. He will be missed.
John Fay
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Photos From Steve's Facebook Page
I worked with Steve many times when I was a Community Planner with the Federal Government....His work lives on in the impacts he made to our lives and the land we call Will County.
Keith Eichorst
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Thanks Ty, I have seen a little of Steve's work and we are always saddened at the loss of talented planners. May God rest his soul.
Pete Pointner FAICP
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Steve was a great guy, all around. Enjoyed our collaboration on WCHPC and times when our paths crossed years later. Recollecting good memories.
Michael Lambert
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Ty, I’m sorry to hear of your loss of a true friend and colleague.
Lucy Hutcherson
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So sorry to hear about Steve. He was always such a great inspiring planner.
Erin Aleman
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Many urban planning adventures were had with our friend Steve.....he will be missed by the planning community in the Chicago region......
Grace Bazylewski
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So Very Sad
Janice Loughery Morrissy
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No words. So saddened to learn of this yesterday.
Mike Schwarz
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Sorry to hear it
Mary Jo Hoag
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Many of us were shocked and saddened to hear about Steve’s passing. I worked with him at the Village of Orland Park, where he started as an intern in the Community Development Department. As he moved on to Will County, we managed to stay in touch. Last December, we had dinner together with two other planner friends. His kindness and humor will be missed.
The photo is of the Orland Park Community Development Department from 1992. I assume full responsibility for hiring Steve as an intern in our department, which helped launched his planning career!
Greg Dreyer
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Steve we will miss you. Condolences to his family and loved ones. Sometimes years would pass between talking, but each time was if we still shared an office together everyday. An outstanding and one-in-in-a-million person.
I can hear him saying (in a bad Italian accent) “Rodney-a Tonelli he is-a so smelly”..... that’s how my day started when we shared an office...... and I loved the guy.
Rodney Tonelli
Absolutely hilarious — I can hear him saying that! (And you’re a good sport!)
Tyson Warner
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So very sad.
Beth Ruyle
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Steve hired me right out of college as an intern and then full time as his assistant planner. I have so many wonderful memories of him teaching me the ropes of what it meant to be a municipal planner. I admired the way Steve was able to connect with so many different people. As a young planner he did many kind things for me to ensure that my career would prosper. Steve was a wonderful soul and he touched so many people’s lives in many different ways. I am truly saddened he is no longer with us. I hope he is driving a really cool car up in heaven. Until we meet again Steve.
Kimberly Jones
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Ty and Kimberly - Well said. Steve was a unique guy with a kind heart. He will be missed dearly.
Martin Scott, AICP
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I remember him well, a good planner and an excellent man
Alan Mammoser AICP
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Steve was an alternate delegate when I served as Chair of the CMAP Land Use Committee. Truly, a good man. Very sorry to learn of this...
So very sad.
Beth Ruyle
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Steve hired me right out of college as an intern and then full time as his assistant planner. I have so many wonderful memories of him teaching me the ropes of what it meant to be a municipal planner. I admired the way Steve was able to connect with so many different people. As a young planner he did many kind things for me to ensure that my career would prosper. Steve was a wonderful soul and he touched so many people’s lives in many different ways. I am truly saddened he is no longer with us. I hope he is driving a really cool car up in heaven. Until we meet again Steve.
Kimberly Jones
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Ty and Kimberly - Well said. Steve was a unique guy with a kind heart. He will be missed dearly.
Martin Scott, AICP
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I remember him well, a good planner and an excellent man
Alan Mammoser AICP
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Steve was an alternate delegate when I served as Chair of the CMAP Land Use Committee. Truly, a good man. Very sorry to learn of this...
Mark Avery
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My deepest sympathies. In the late 90s, I was a summer planning intern at Will Countymy very first planning job. I worked closely with Steve and he treated me like a full member of the team. Steve was so kind, funny and no-nonsense that summer. He was also a great teacher and I learned so many things from him that summer about planning, working with community and being part of team. He will be missed.
Lynn Ross,
Miami Beach, Florida
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Steve will be truly missed for all the efforts he has made for the residents of Will County. He was an excellent planner, who assisted the Land Use and Development Committee with some difficult projects. Will County is a better place due to the projects he brought forward and saw through to completion. May he Rest In Peace and condolences to his family.
Tom Weigel,
New Lenox
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My sincere condolences for your loss. I hope the words of Psalm 145:18,19 can bring you comfort as you endure this difficult time of sorrow.
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Steve we will miss you. Condolences to his family and loved ones. Sometimes years would pass between talking, but each time was if we still shared an office together everyday. An outstanding and one-in-in-a-million person.
Rod Tonelli,
Joliet, Illinois
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I was fortunate to have lunch with Steve while attending the APA national conference in Chicago a few years ago. Thank you for inviting me to your table, Craig. Steve sure was a wonderful guy.
Brian Billingsley, AICP
Minot, N.D.
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On a road trip to Connecticut to pick up a ‘62 Rambler American, that Steve needed, I remember him telling me a story that I never forgot, and still tell.
Steve had these boots that were worn through and ready for the scrap heap, but, he liked them. He grew tired of hearing that he needed to get a new set, so, he asked his Dad to take them to a shoe repair shop to be fixed (Remember, Steve liked these boots). Steve’s Dad returned home and told Steve that the Cobbler had said “nothing could be done to repair the boots, they were too far gone.”
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My deepest sympathies. In the late 90s, I was a summer planning intern at Will Countymy very first planning job. I worked closely with Steve and he treated me like a full member of the team. Steve was so kind, funny and no-nonsense that summer. He was also a great teacher and I learned so many things from him that summer about planning, working with community and being part of team. He will be missed.
Lynn Ross,
Miami Beach, Florida
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Steve will be truly missed for all the efforts he has made for the residents of Will County. He was an excellent planner, who assisted the Land Use and Development Committee with some difficult projects. Will County is a better place due to the projects he brought forward and saw through to completion. May he Rest In Peace and condolences to his family.
Tom Weigel,
New Lenox
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My sincere condolences for your loss. I hope the words of Psalm 145:18,19 can bring you comfort as you endure this difficult time of sorrow.
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Steve we will miss you. Condolences to his family and loved ones. Sometimes years would pass between talking, but each time was if we still shared an office together everyday. An outstanding and one-in-in-a-million person.
Rod Tonelli,
Joliet, Illinois
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I was fortunate to have lunch with Steve while attending the APA national conference in Chicago a few years ago. Thank you for inviting me to your table, Craig. Steve sure was a wonderful guy.
Brian Billingsley, AICP
Minot, N.D.
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On a road trip to Connecticut to pick up a ‘62 Rambler American, that Steve needed, I remember him telling me a story that I never forgot, and still tell.
Steve had these boots that were worn through and ready for the scrap heap, but, he liked them. He grew tired of hearing that he needed to get a new set, so, he asked his Dad to take them to a shoe repair shop to be fixed (Remember, Steve liked these boots). Steve’s Dad returned home and told Steve that the Cobbler had said “nothing could be done to repair the boots, they were too far gone.”
Steve asked his Dad to return to the Cobbler and asked him to just fix them, it doesn’t matter how, just fix them. Steve’s Dad did as he was asked but returned again with the boots and said the Cobbler was absolutely certain that nothing could be done. Steve, undeterred, asked his Dad to insist that the guy fix his boots since some kind of repair must be possible. This time the cobbler reluctantly gave in, making no promises.
When the boots were finally returned, there were two over-sized flaps of leather roughly attached to the bottom with dried rubber cement squeezing out of the sides. Steve just looked at them and said, “This is Exactly what I wanted.” Then, he pulled out that wallet of his (hanging together by threads) and asked his Dad to go back to the Cobbler to ask if he could fix that too.
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Somehow, not surprisingly, this cartoon reminds me of Steve. His ability to see the good in everything.
By the way, I'm surprised nobody has posted any Gemini Giant images.
When the boots were finally returned, there were two over-sized flaps of leather roughly attached to the bottom with dried rubber cement squeezing out of the sides. Steve just looked at them and said, “This is Exactly what I wanted.” Then, he pulled out that wallet of his (hanging together by threads) and asked his Dad to go back to the Cobbler to ask if he could fix that too.
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Somehow, not surprisingly, this cartoon reminds me of Steve. His ability to see the good in everything.
By the way, I'm surprised nobody has posted any Gemini Giant images.
Awesome picture Carolyn sent yesterday! That is so Steve.
Dave Chester
Will County Land Use ('97-'00)
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Steve apparently grew to be just as good of a man as he was a kid. We were very good friends a very long time ago. So sorry for Mike, Michelle, family and the countless friends that Steve made along his way. We moved in the summer of '71 and only spoke a handful of times since then. Glad we recently reconnected. Our families have stayed in touch. His dad, Mike was my barber. He overcame adversity and achieved so much in his life. I'm very proud of how my buddy lived his life. I will remember him and our special neighborhood forever. I pray that he is with Penny.
Rick Simler,
Colorado
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I knew "Stevie", Michelle, Mike, Penny, even his grandparents, who lived two houses away. Steve was one of my best buddies from 1967-1971 when we were neighbors on 89th St. Relatives lived nearby, Neighbors were NEIGHBORS! I remember it all like yesterday. We did everything ten year olds did on the south side. Stevie was a slender, shy, sweet kid who was my right hand man. I remember Speed Racer was his favorite cartoon and I saw on FB that his life stayed in the racing arena.
We reconnected years ago, more than once, and I was so happy to see his life was so accomplished in both his business and personal life. My thoughts go out to his Dad, his sister and her family. Those were some of the greatest years with "Stevie" and I will always remember him and his whole family. It was a special time in a special place. I'm so sad for those who love and will miss him but I'm happy and grateful to have great memories of Steve as well as his family. I pray he can feel the love from those who left before us and the love of those who mourn his loss.
I hope I "reconnect" with Stevie one more time one day.
Your buddy, Ricky
Rick Simler,
Colorado
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Where to begin. Steve was one of the most loyal, fun and supportive friends I have ever had. We were very close in the 90s and kept in touch off and on through the years. He never let that wheelchair slow him down. He was the absolute BEST. My condolences to Steves family and all of his million friends.
Monica Ruban,
Tinley Park, Illinois
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Dear Friend, I miss you already. Rest in Peace
Donna Hanley,
Flagstaff, Arizona
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I am so saddened to have learned about the passing of Steve. As a member of the Will County Board and a member of the Land Use Committee, I worked with Steve on numerous occasions - Steve was kind, brilliant, and always thinking of the residents of Will County when making decisions or providing advice. The world is has lost a wonderful soul. Gods peace to you and your family at this time. My deepest sympathy!
I hope I "reconnect" with Stevie one more time one day.
Your buddy, Ricky
Rick Simler,
Colorado
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Where to begin. Steve was one of the most loyal, fun and supportive friends I have ever had. We were very close in the 90s and kept in touch off and on through the years. He never let that wheelchair slow him down. He was the absolute BEST. My condolences to Steves family and all of his million friends.Monica Ruban,
Tinley Park, Illinois
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Dear Friend, I miss you already. Rest in Peace
Donna Hanley,
Flagstaff, Arizona
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I am so saddened to have learned about the passing of Steve. As a member of the Will County Board and a member of the Land Use Committee, I worked with Steve on numerous occasions - Steve was kind, brilliant, and always thinking of the residents of Will County when making decisions or providing advice. The world is has lost a wonderful soul. Gods peace to you and your family at this time. My deepest sympathy!
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Steve was an outstanding man and city planner. He was friendly, honest, funny, and caring. Very sorry to hear of his passing. Steve, we love you. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
His commendation from Will County Land Use in 1997
Steve Lazzara AICP performs all of his duties with enthusiasm and professional competence. He is highly motivated, and a leader in the planning division. He serves as the second in command of the Planning Division, and leads the County Historic Preservation Planning efforts. He is a credit to Will County.
We set up a blog for Steve:
https://stevenlazzara.blogspot.com/
stevenlazzara . blogspot . com
Please send any additions, photos, or corrections to craighullinger@gmail.com and I will include them on the blog.
Steve was an outstanding man and city planner. He was friendly, honest, funny, and caring. Very sorry to hear of his passing. Steve, we love you. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
His commendation from Will County Land Use in 1997
Steve Lazzara AICP performs all of his duties with enthusiasm and professional competence. He is highly motivated, and a leader in the planning division. He serves as the second in command of the Planning Division, and leads the County Historic Preservation Planning efforts. He is a credit to Will County.
We set up a blog for Steve:
https://stevenlazzara.blogspot.com/
stevenlazzara . blogspot . com
Please send any additions, photos, or corrections to craighullinger@gmail.com and I will include them on the blog.
