LAZOK, George Anthony

Deacon George Anthony Lazok Sr., 76, entered into rest on April 1, 2004. The son of Mary and William, he was born on December 30, 1927 in Cleveland, Ohio. He later traveled with his family to Phoenix where he served his community, church and nation with honor and faithfulness. A WWII and Korean War veteran, he served on the USS Valley Forge (CV-45) with the United States Navy, 115th Seabees. Deacon George was also a founding member of Saint Catherine of Sienna Parish and enjoyed many years of unswerving dedication to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, Legion of Mary, "Mary's Ministries," the Cursillo Movement and the Boy Scouts of America. He was ordained to the Order of Deacon by the Most Reverend Thomas J. O'Brien on February 28, 1987 and recently retired from active ministry. George was a friend to all he came into contact with. He was a successful field operations and business manager and devout husband, father and grandfather. An avid outdoorsman and amateur gunsmith, he was also a gifted oil painter and teacher of church doctrine. He is survived by his wife Joan, sons Anthony, Mark, George, Joseph and Thomas, grandchildren Jessica, Andrew and Candice Lazok and Mary Bulot, daughters-in-law Nancy and Mary, brothers Robert and Julius, sisters-in-law Phyllis, Sharon and Sally, step-brother William and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. His parents and his brother Alex preceded him in death. Friends are welcome to visit with the family on Sunday, April 4, 2004 at Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 6200 South Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ. The visitation will be followed by a Rosary service. A mass in celebration of Deacon George's life and love will be held at the Church on Monday, April 5, 2004 with interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. Lowman's Arizona Funeral Home managed the funeral arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 East Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ. Published in the Arizona Republic on 4/3/2004.