In earlier life, around the age of 20, he served in the Navy during the Second World War, as a radioman with the Naval gun crews that were on the cargo ships. The Navy recognized his value and sent him to school. When he finished, they made him the paymaster on board an aircraft carrier. He was proud to say that he never had to use his guns. When the aircraft carrier would land at ports, even if they were foreign, they could exchange checks for money, Irv would be instructed to go to the bank and give them a check and take home the cash. They also supplied him with a jeep and a bodyguard and a sidearm, which he was always proud to say he never put a bullet in the gun.
He was married to Miriam in 1945. She was the love of his life. They had two sons and raised their family in
I met him when I dropped my son John off at the UCO Reporter when John was volunteering to use the computer to print the paper. One day, Irv and I started to talk, and he asked me what kind of work I did during my working years, and I replied, I was a Linotype operator/proofreader for a number of the
We went out to eat lunch practically every Saturday. My wife and I were very close to him and Mimi. Irv was loved by all that he ran across. From then till now, we will miss him deeply.
Joe, June and John Saponaro
Joe, June and John
ReplyDeleteMy sincere sympathy to all of
you. I know the love that you
all had in your heart for Irv.
This is a very sad loss for all
of you.
Joe, June & John,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words in appreciation of Irving Lazar. I never got to know Irving well, but whenever I went into the "pressroom," he was there—quiet, efficient, and kind. I thought to myself, this man has been doing the hard job of being editor for years. I wish he got more recognition. I will miss him just as you and others who knew him better will miss him. He told me once he played tennis early almost every morning. With you and the Nutmegger and others, I am saddened to hear of his death. May he rest in peace. He served us all well, didn't he.
It is with great sadness that I learned of Irv's passing. I had worked with him for about 10 years at the UCO Reporter which was indeed a pleasure. I was a typesetter while he did layouts. He was so wonderful to work with, besides being kind and gentle -- a remarkable human being. He leaves a great void in many lives.
ReplyDelete