Obituary of Ron Lazina

Ron Lazina, age 81, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on July 6, 2025. He was the dear son of the late Rudolph and Kathe Lazina. He was the beloved husband of Linda (nee Senzino); loving father of Dawn Bandini (Dave) and Stephen Lazina (Michelle). He was the devoted grandfather of Stephen, Matthew, Adelynn, Vanessa and Everly. He was the cherished brother of Linda Helmus (Skip), Robert Lazina (Jill), and his late brothers Rudy Lazina and Ralph Lazina. He was the fond brother-in-law of Gladys Lazina and Judy Lazina.

Ron was born in Brooklyn and raised in Richmond Hill, Queens. He attended Richmond Hill High School where he found his passion in the cruising culture of fixing up and racing hot rods, which led to American Graffiti being his favorite movie of all time. Ron later enlisted in the United States Air Force where he became a Sergeant, working on the C-130 airplanes during the Vietnam War. While stationed in Virginia he was set up on a blind date, where he traveled back up to Brooklyn, NY and met who would become his future wife and the love of his life. That date was the start of almost 60 years of love, laughter and beautiful memories! After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, he pursued a 25 year career with the Port Authority of NY/NJ. At the same time, Ron began building a family with his wife Linda. Ron was very proud while working at Newark Airport, meeting a lot of dignitaries such as Richard Nixon, Nelson Mandela, as well as having his badge blessed from the Emissary to Pope John Paul II.

After retirement Ron focused on his two passions, his grandchildren and his love of cars. He was an extremely involved and dedicated grandfather. Ron would drive his grandchildren to school, cheer at hockey games, build legos, create projects, and proudly attend dance recitals. Any important milestone or event that his grandchildren were involved in, Ron was there! Ron felt no challenges were too big to tackle. He could be found calibrating a 4 barrel carburetor on his 1967 Mustang or taking down a 60 foot Spruce tree, all while instilling his strong work ethic into his children and grandchildren. Ron will be remembered for his optimistic, upbeat and wonderful sense of adventure. He was a creative storyteller who related to people so well by his use of analogies. Ron's family and friends will remember the almost 50 cars he owned over his lifetime. Ron's big heart, loving nature and caring soul will live on in the lives he has touched.

Family and friends may visit Vander Platt Colonial Home, 13-31 Saddle River Road, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 on Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 6:30 to 9:00 PM.

The Funeral will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025 departing at 10:00 AM. A Graveside Service will be held in Christ The King Cemetery at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in Christ The King Cemetery, Franklin Lakes, NJ.

Ron's wishes were to have a memorial service at the Interfaith Chapel at Cedar Crest Village, 1 Cedar Crest Drive, Pompton Plains, NJ on July 27, 2025 at 2:00 PM.