Obituary of Joseph Lazur

Joseph Lazur passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 31, 2017.  He shared 89 years of love, faith and selflessness with all who knew him.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 5th at 10:00 am at Notre Dame of Mount Carmel Parish, 75 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls.  Entombment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.  Friends and relatives may visit on Monday, September 4th from 4-8 pm at the Norman Dean Home For Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville.  In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the good work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by way of www.inmemoryof-memorial.org

Joseph was born in Bayonne to the late George and Anna Lazur.  He was the seventh of eight children.  At the age of 17 he enlisted in the US ARMY where he proudly served our country until he was honorably discharged since he was the primary caretaker for his invalid brother and aging parents.  He married Elizabeth Reilly in 1953 and the couple eventually settled in Nutley where they raised their eight children.  Being a part of the greatest generation, Joseph knew the value of hard work and a dollar.  He started his own construction company and worked hard to provide for his growing family. He became a successful self-made man, eventually purchasing National Building Supply Corp in 1978 and expanding the business to incorporate three locations before retiring.

With his business, Lazur’s Home Improvement Center, formerly known as Lazur Heights Construction Company, located in Nutley, Joe became very active in his community and donated much of his time.  He held officer positions in many organizations which included the Nutley Board of Adjustment and Planning board, the Chamber of Commerce, the United Volunteers of Nutley, the Lions Club, the Rotary Club, the Elks and Amvets, and was a longtime parishioner of St. Mary’s Parish in Nutley.  As Grand Knight and Past Grand Knight of the St. Mary’s Knights of Columbus, Joe was a key player in getting the building fund organized which raised enough money for the new building which is still home to the Knights of Columbus. He received the honor of being chosen as N.J. Contractor of the Year in 1973 and served as an expert witness for the New Jersey State Office of Consumer Protection. And let’s not forget his years as a Nutley Volunteer Fireman at Hose Co #2 and as a licensed Real Estate salesman with George T. Bowes  Realty.  Joe also enjoyed participating in the St. Mary’s Theatre Guild and each year had fun with his bit roles on stage.  He served on the Advisory board of Valley National Bank and in his later years was one of the founding members and a Director of Heritage Community Bank.  Joe started skiing at the age of 40 and then switched over to tennis as his main form of exercise.  He and Terri enjoyed many a match together and he continued to play tennis until last November.  Clearly, Joe was not one to sit still.  He was a giver and a do-er and throughout his entire life, he helped all of those around him. 

He was selfless and took care of many family members as they aged and needed more care.  These traits were passed to his children, as in his last months, they were fortunate to be together in his daughter’s home, being cared for by those he loved the most….his wife Terri and his children and grandchildren. He was able to enjoy the innocence and laughter of this family’s latest addition, Joe’s great granddaughter.  Joe was a true Family Man.  One thing all his children will attest to is that it was through his hard work that he was able to achieve so much …all the while doing it his/my way…  This beloved Patriarch has given us much to celebrate and be grateful for.

He leaves lasting memories to his dear wife of 20 years Terri Babbitt –Lazur; his children Karen Lazur (John McClure), Doris Lazur (Dennis Eschbach), his daughter in law Maureen Lazur (sadly, his first son Kenneth passed away in 1997), Debbie Lazur (Lori Morisato), Janice Carrubba (Michael), Mariann Whitaker (Andy), Tom Lazur (Teresa) and Joseph Lazur (Madalyn Cioci). His step children; Christine Keefe (Bill) and Jennifer Ruppel (Kurt). He was the adoring Grandpa to Mariel Belanger (Brett Hackman), Kelsey McClure, Matthew, Anna, Patrick and Katie Lazur, Danielle Delvescovo Gallina (Vinny), Antonio Delvescovo, Abigail, Gabrielle, Morgan and Taylor Whitaker, Jack and Samantha Lazur, Owen and John Lazur, Hunter, Philip and Austin Ruppel and proud Great Grandpa to Natalie Grace Hackman. 

Joe also leaves his brother Emil Lazur and many more dear relatives, friends and acquaintances.