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
Richard Sandler says:
August 18, 2008
Dearest Bernadette –
When I got the letter about Marc’s passing I was stunned and deeply saddened. Like some others who have signed this memorial, I first met him when he was practicing in Chino. Using Prolotherapy, he fixed up my elbow. A few years later, when I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis and could barely walk, I caught up with him in Irvine. Again, his skillful hands came to the rescue. It is no exaggeration at all to say that he gave me back my life. He was an amazing human being and a healer that combined the best of art and science. Clearly, he touched many lives, as a doctor, coach, friend, father and husband. He will live on through all those lives that he impacted.
I send my deepest sympathy to you and the kids.
Angelita Wright says:
August 21, 2008
Marc and Bernadette,
I just received your letter, Bernadette. Only four short years ago, I walked into your office grimacing in pain, unable to sit or lie down. I could only stand. I suffered from exhaustion from trying to work, eat, and sleep standing up for over a month before I was referred to you for Prolotherapy.
Dr. Lazzara, you saved me. I spent a few months trekking to your Irvine office, getting to know both of you as time passed. While pricking me with needles, the doctor told me about meeting you, Bernadette, raising a family, and working on the football field. He got to know my family a little bit, too. He talked with my daughter about her collegiate life.
Marc, you gave me my life back. I have been able to swim and play with my nephew and nieces; walk with the dogs around the neighborhood; see my daughter through to finishing her undergraduate and law degrees; and made a career change from classroom teacher to librarian.
It is never far from my thoughts that my life itself is an insignificant event. My daily plan is to be a significant and positive influence in the lives of others each day.
My heart aches for the suffering your family is enduring at the moment. Dr. Lazzara was a significant and positive influence in many lives each day that he lived. I stand, I sit, I lie down, and I live in comfort because he influenced my life in a significant and positive way.
Donna Tucker says:
August 25, 2008
Dear Family, I just can’t believe it. I first met Marc a couple of years ago and called him from Arizona late at night and we spoke like we were life long friends. He was such an open and caring person. Bernadette and Marc made me feel very welcome in the office and all the problems with my knee have been cured with the prolotherapy. My prayers and sympathy go out to you and your family. He is unreplaceable.
Gail Kamo says:
August 26, 2008
Aloha Mrs. Lazzara,
I was totally shocked and truly saddened to read about the loss of your husband. Dr. Lazzara was the most caring and compassionate doctor I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet. I remember being really scared about starting my prolotheraphy treatment and he would just make me laugh and giggle throughout the procedure. He was also very kind and thoughtful to my four kids who I sometimes had to bring with me on my appointments. On my initial appointment with Dr. Lazzara, he offered my daughter Oreo cookies and water so she would sit quietly. He would also talk about you and your children and I could tell he was so very proud of all of you. Your husband was so full of life and had such a wonderful spirit to him. We will all miss him very much. Dr. Lazzara was “No kai oi”…the BEST! You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Much Love and Aloha, Gail
Chirag Gandhi says:
September 5, 2008
Dr. Lazzara wasn’t only a dedicated husband, father and physician but also a mentor to so many of the students he helped over the course of his professional life. He not only taught me how to be a good physician but how to be a friend to your patients first. His dedication to everyone around him will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace.