Joseph Lazzara

Lazzara, Joseph (aka Joe, Joe Hat, Hat, Joey and Jofus but only Mom was allowed to call him Pookie), age 59, of Port Orchard, WA, entered peaceful rest on August 8, 2022, at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Gig Harbor, WA. Joe would want you to know that he beat cancer with a clean bill of health just a few weeks before dying from an unrelated, stupid-ass infection. He was born on November 8, 1962, in Bridgeport, CT to Charles R. Lazzara and Carol Jayne Lazzara. Joe lived a colorful life – rose-colored as described by himself – therefore some of the stories may or may not be true – like the time he had lunch with Whoopie Goldberg and Goldie Hawn.

Here’s the true stuff: Joe grew up in Milford, CT, he was a Veteran of the United States Air Force and enjoyed his job at UPS for a couple of years. He was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in his late 20s and would tell everyone how lucky he was to be making a difference by testing all the available new drugs to help others. Joe loved the Miami Dolphins, the New York Yankees, Jeopardy, Bonanza, rock and roll and smoking weed. He also adored his cats (Scrub and Deuce) who lived very long, happy lives. He was a great cook and one of his famous, delicious dishes was linguini and clams. Joe’s greatest passion was fishing. He often bragged about the big catches and the stuffed fish mounted on his walls.

He leaves his mother Carol, brother Charles R. Lazzara, Jr. (Maryanne) of Milford, sister Teri J. Lazzara (Alex Samuels) of Seattle, WA, his 6’8” baby brother Vinnie Lazzara (Dawn) of Groton, VT and his brother-in-law, Brad Mathews of Sun Valley, ID. Joe loved making up stories about his amazing nieces and nephews whose work allegedly ranged from life-saving neurologists to diving with Jacques Cousteau. He loved all of them: Adam, Anthony (Melissa), Chloe, Matthew (Samantha), Teri N. (Nick) and Vincent (Ashley). He is also survived by a billion great nieces and nephews. A billion, he would tell you because, “those kids know how to pop out the babies.” He is also survived by many cousins with whom he loved to booze it up and smoke cigars in the woods. He was predeceased by his father, Charles R. Lazzara (who Joe claimed won a silver medal in the Olympics but wasn’t quite sure what the sport was). Family would like to thank the entire staff at the Washington State Veterans Home for the wonderful care and compassion given to Joe and truly making it a home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Northwest Chapter at In Memory of Joseph Lazzara - Fundraising For The National MS Society (donordrive.com).