Marc Adam Lazzara
May 09, 1958 - July 15, 2008
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Marc Adam Lazzara
May 09, 1958 - July 15, 2008
Obituary
. ‘Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.’ —Albert Einstein
Doctor Marc Adam Lazzara was one of those men who could make you smile while he was injecting you by just cracking a joke or playfully teasing. Countless patients would walk out of his office with an immense grin on their face and a happy demeanor. Dr. Lazzara’s attributes extended into his family life, he was a dedicated and affectionate dad. He also became a second father to many of his children’s friends and to his own nephews and nieces. His personality can only be described as quirky, invigorating, ebullient and exuberant.
He was born in California on May 9, 1958 to David and Irene Lazzara. Dr. Lazzara was lovingly married to his wife Bernadette Tong for twenty years. They have two wonderful children, Kurt 18 and Audrey 15.
Dr. Lazzara received his undergraduate degree from Pepperdine University and his medical degree from Western University of Health Sciences-College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in 1997. He obtained his Prolotherapy training from the Medical School of Wisconsin.
He has been helping people for eight years through his specialty in Prolotherapy, which dealt with underlying issues of chronic pain that affords a nonsurgical approach to musculoskeletal problems. Dr. Lazzara was the Program Chairman and President-elect of the National Prolotherapy Foundation, the American College of Osteopathic Schlerotheraputic Pain Management and sat on the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialty Societies for the guidance and overview of Osteopathic medicine.
He was more than a doctor, he was a thoughtful and fun father and friend. His attitude towards life was what really made Marc an exceptional and unparalleled person. Everyone who knows him well or only met him once is certain that God is laughing alongside Marc.
Marc Lazzara is survived by his wife Bernadette, son Kurt, daughter Audrey, parents David and Irene, siblings Cathy, David and Susan and numerous relatives and friends who loved him dearly.
‘Never settle for less than your best.’ —MAL
‘Play with all the guts and balls you have.’ —MAL
70 responses to Marc Adam Lazzara
Wendi Lundquist, DO says:
August 6, 2008
His passion for prolotherapy has really touched me and my work. We will miss him!
Amee Vasa Sawhney says:
August 9, 2008
I just saw through the COMP newsletter that Marc had passed. I was in the COMP class of ’97 with him. I remember him as such a nice, funny, guy… so kind and genuine. I wanted to send his family sincere condolences. What a great guy he was.
Heather Clancy says:
August 16, 2008
When Marc left this world
An Indian prayer:
He comes to the wind.
Then the wind makes room for him,
like the hole of a carriage wheel,
and through it he mounts higher.
He comes to the sun.
Then the sun makes room for him,
like the hole of a Lambara,
and through it he mounts higher.
He comes to the moon.
Then the moon makes room for him,
like the hole of a drum,
and through it he mounts higher.
And arrives at the world where there is no sorrow, no snow.
There he dwells eternal years.
I miss you Marc, and thank you deeply for your help, comfort, and humor.
God Bless the Lazzara family. I was shocked and so saddened to receive your letter. My prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Heather Clancy
Karen Conkle says:
August 16, 2008
I just received your letter about Marc and am very saddened by the news. He did have a way of helping you be strong when he was practicing his medicine and inflicting extreme pain upon you. But I told everyone I thought could benefit from prolotherapy that it really worked for me! In fact I, most respectfully of course, referred to him as my voodoo doctor. His expertise and humor will indeed be missed. You’re in my prayers.
Valerie Liese says:
August 16, 2008
Bernadette,
I was so saddened when I received your letter about losing your husband and our friend.
I came to Marc when he was practicing in Chino and followed him to Irvine, when he didn’t want to commute any more. I always accused him of treating me like a human pin cushion as we spoke of politics, golf, basketball or you and the kids. I’ve never seen a dad more proud of his children’s accomplishments as he spoke with a twinkle in his eye as we bantered back and forth during treatment. Marc was able to diagnose my condition to one that he said he only sees with professional baseball pitchers, and as an old broad that only plays golf, thought that no one could figure out what was wrong with me, but Marc was persistent. I know of no doctor that would call me while he was out-of-state at a conference, or call on a weekend, to check on how I was doing. Marc Lazzara was one-of-a-kind. As a mentor, I hope his spirit lives in other doctors and they follow his example of knowledge, care, and kindness.
I hope his spirit lives on in the Lazzara household, where Marc thrived on the love of his family and sharing himself with others. This man touched and improved so many people’s lives that his spirit will always carry on from those that loved and respected him. God bless you Bernadette, as well as your son and daughter. I know you miss your husband and father tremendously, but please remember, he loved all of you… each passing day, each passing moment and I’m sure; you’ll keep him in your hearts forever.
Respectfully,