John Lazzaro

John Lazzaro- June 4, 1955 – November 1, 2024 John was a longtime resident of Crystal River Fl. This is where he decided to make it his home and where he personally built his home in Derosa Village. John came from humble upbringings. He was born in a small town in Sicily Italy in 1955 where he worked with his father and grandfather on their farm. His family decided to pursue the dream of a better life in the United States and immigrated to New York in 1966 where they began to build successful lives. Even at the young age of 11 John worked extremely hard at multiple jobs in Queens NY such as paperboy, shoveling snow to help to contribute to the success of his family; all while going to school and learning English. Which he said he mainly learned on the streets. At the age of 18 John decided to join the Navy and was the cook on the USS Little Rock from which he received an honorable discharge on November 1, 1976. John went on to receive his Associates degree from the Culinary Institute in NY. He was a superb chef and manager. Throughout his career he worked for large companies, one of his personal favorites being the Hilton Gran and Grand Oaks Golf Club where the movie Caddyshack was filmed; he was blessed to meet many famous and important people throughout his lengthy career. John was a fan of the of the Disco era, bellbottoms, perms and all. In his later years he was gifted with a green thumb that brought him many seasons of bountiful vegetable gardens and many fruit bearing trees. He enjoyed working outside. His love for travel took him many places, but he was a huge fan of cruising where he enjoyed the relaxing beaches, beautiful views and exceptional cuisine. John passed away at Tampa General Hospital on November 1, 2024 and is survived by his Father Michele Lazzaro, and his Sisters Jessie Tatti and Angela Cardenia. He leaves behind his Wife and Son, Michelle Andrea and Michael Giovanni Lazzaro. He was taken from us too soon and will be forever missed. He will be watching from the Heavens with his Mother where we will all be together again someday. Services will be held at Purcell Chapel– 114 West Noble Avenue in Bushnell Fl on Thursday November 7th at 9 am then will be interred at Florida National Cemetery with military honors at 11:30 am In leu of flowers if you wish please donate to the charity of your choice.

John Lazzaro

June 4, 1955 - November 1, 2024