Robert Alan Lazear
February 14, 2021
ROBERT ALAN LAZEAR: Age 74, died from a rare form of cancer on February 14, 2021. He is survived by his loving sisters Mary Jo Lazear (Richard Karp) of San Francisco, CA, and Nancy Lazear (Patrick Coyne) of Washington, DC. He is also survived by his beloved nieces Megan Coyne (Matthew Plummer) and Rachel Coyne and his beloved nephew Peter Coyne. In his last years, he delighted in his grand-nephew Declan Joseph Plummer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Sara (Green) Lazear.
Robbie was a lifelong resident of Pittsburgh and loved the city. He was a graduate of Taylor Allderdice High School, and he received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a Masters in Education from Duquesne University. Robbie worked for many years for a variety of organizations including Karma House, the Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, Next Big Thing Productions, and the Disability Division of the Social Security Administration. Robbie also served as a Judge of Elections in his beloved neighborhood of Shadyside. He never missed an election day at the polls in over 25 years.
Robbie was an avid reader and loved all kinds of music, movies, symphony, and opera. He was an excellent poker player and dancer, a political junkie, and a Starbucks regular. He never missed watching the news, Pardon the Interruption or Jeopardy. Robbie was a true sports lover. He often said there was nothing like a day at the ballpark. During the last game of the 1960 World Series, he ran all the way from his home in Squirrel Hill to Forbes Field just in time to see Bill Mazeroski hit his historic home run. He never forgot that experience.
Robbie enjoyed the company of a wide circle of friends with whom he kept in close touch. They all benefited from his kindness, generosity, selflessness, and compassion. He was truly interested in and loved people. Robbie was a man of great wit and intelligence, and he had an incredible sense of humor. He loved nothing better than to make people smile and laugh, illustrated by his huge repertoire of jokes and his eagerly anticipated yearly holiday card sent to over 300 family and friends all over the world.
Robbie wanted to offer special thanks to Jay Reifer and Barbara Villa and Molly Youngling, all of whom provided him a home and cared for him during his illness. He was especially grateful to his wonderful team of caregivers, led by Linda Boston. Linda said it was fitting for Robbie to pass away on Valentine’s Day because he loved and was loved by so many. He will be remembered as a wonderful and loving brother, uncle, and friend.
Services and Interment were Private. A memorial gathering will be planned when COVID restrictions are lifted. Robbie requested that donations in his memory be made to the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank or the Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh.
Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., family owned and operated. www.schugar.com
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Robbie was my big brother in Sigma Kap in high school and gave me my nickname Mouse that stayed with me thru college. So sorry to hear the news and my condolences go out to there family and all is friends. He will be missed.
By Marc Lantzman - February 24, 2021
Robbie was a sweet fellow. I see and hear him talking: softly with a smile. Sympathy and love to the Lazears.
By Channa - February 22, 2021
Robbie was a genuine friend since we met in Pittsburgh around 1974. After I left Pittsburgh in 1980 our contacts reduced, however whenever I spoke with Robbie, it felt as if I had never left Pittsburgh. He would recognize my voice even if we had not spoken for a long time! Over the years, I kept up with his news via phone chats, through Mary Jo or my aunt Alka who is a close family friend of the Lazears. Although we have lost Robbie physically, he will always remain in my heart with many fond memories including attending the Steelers' playoff game against Buffalo when they went on to win their first Super Bowl, his hilarious Christmas cards that my entire family would be eager to receive and enjoy, and many more. Let us celebrate his brilliant and unique life with the many fond memories he has left for all of us! I consider very fortunate to have had Robbie in my life as a friend. May his soul rest in peace. My sincere condolences to the extended Lazear family and loved ones,
Ajay
By Ajay Madgavkar - February 21, 2021
Lazear Family,
Very sorry to hear about Robbie. One of the nicest and most sincere people I know. My brother and I were on the holiday card list forever and kept them on display in our office. We loved to talk baseball and politics and he always put a smile on our faces and left us with good feelings. I’ll think of all the good memories. . The world will always miss someone like Robbie.
By Evan Merenstein - February 21, 2021
Our deepest sympathies. I'm planning to call.
By Henry & Susan Slesinger - February 21, 2021
ROBBIE moving to Squirrel Hill and starting Wightman in 2nd grade was a special memory for me - friends ever since! Any trip to Pgh always included time with Robbie. Yes he was loved by so many and will be sorely missed. Our condolences to everyone.
By Nance Tumpson Lodge - February 21, 2021
Heartfelt condolences to the family at the loss of Robert Lazear, beloved uncle, brother, friend.
By Phyllis Cutler - February 21, 2021
Along with the rest of the western world, we mourn.
By Irwin Kalson/Kathleen Rall - February 21, 2021
A huge loss. May his memory be for a blessing. Love ya Robbie.
By Edward Lischin - February 21, 2021
One of a kind, my dear friend Robbie. My sympathy goes out to his family and legion of friends.
By Bill Scattaregia - February 20, 2021
My deepest sympathy goes to Robert's family and friends. He was an extraordinary human being and a kind person to everyone who needed his assistance. He left a trail of compassion everywhere. He will be dearly missed and he will never be forgotten.
By Alma S. de León - February 20, 2021