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
William Adair says:
July 24, 2008
Dear Bernadette and Family,
I am so saddened by the passing of Doctor Lazzara.
He was a fantastic Doctor, and a truly awesome person.
He cared deeply about all of his patients and did his utmost to help them.
His passion was an inspiration to us all.
We will all miss him.
Please try and stay strong during this difficult time and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
William Adair
Bhavna says:
July 28, 2008
Dr. Lazzara was a great doctor and inspiring individual. Whenever I needed to see him for sports injuries, whether it was after hours or before, he would always make the extra effort to see me. He was always extremely enthusiastic about what he did and you just knew you could trust him. He always knew how to lighten the mood and bring out the bright side of things.
Thank you Dr. Lazzara for all of your dedicated work, and you will be missed.
My condolences to the Lazzara family.
Suhas Chadalavada says:
July 28, 2008
Coach Marc was my basketball coach in 8th grade, 4 years ago. He was an amazing individual and a great basketball coach. He always knew how to motivate our team and keep us in good spirits. I especially remember a trip I took with him and his family to LA to watch a UCLA basketball game. I will miss Coach Marc and his amazing, kind personality. My condolences to the Lazzara family.
Barbara & Jerry Kaminskis says:
July 29, 2008
Bernadette, we are so sorry to hear about Marc. We met you briefly when you where living in N.Y. and were very impressed with your two wonderful children. We know how hard this is for you and your children. Give them love and kisses from us and to you.
Barbara & Jerry Kaminskis
Anonymous says:
July 30, 2008
The stunning exit of Dr. Lazzara has shaken us all. He was a giant of a man; an incredible human being; a loving family man; a true physician; a man”°Ã¢”šÂ¬Ã¢”žÂ¢s man yet equally a gentleman; a Renaissance man; a force of nature; a tornado of energy and vitality; a doctor wholly dedicated to his patients, his practice, and his ethics; a sharp and snappy wit; a one-of-a kind salty and colorful character; an effortless source of laughter and comfort; the example of what Christ would have set forth as the Good Samaritan; a debonair yet also a man who was the salt of the earth; a truly caring individual with a heart of gold; a monster of intelligence and genius; an eager and voracious learner and teacher; a mean basketball player and lover of pastries; a courageous heart of a lion; a generous giver who did he not help?; a multi-tasker non-par; a fantastic gesticulator can”°Ã¢”šÂ¬Ã¢”žÂ¢t you all remember those eye and hand gestures?; the best doctor to handle an injection “°Ã¢”šÂ¬” he was THE Master “°Ã¢”šÂ¬” it was an Art the way he could give you an injection precisely, accurately and make you even look forward to it that”°Ã¢”šÂ¬Ã¢”žÂ¢s a gift; and an Artist as a Physician, as a Man, as a Human Being, and so much more”°Ã¢”šÂ¬?
I can”°Ã¢”šÂ¬Ã¢”žÂ¢t think of another individual I”°Ã¢”šÂ¬Ã¢”žÂ¢ve ever come across in my life that was like a diamond “°Ã¢”šÂ¬” so many facets, so many dimensions, a ruggedness like the earth and a heart, mind, and soul of shining brilliance. His loss is heartbreaking. Our hearts and prayers are with Bernadette, his children Kurt and Audrey, Elizabeth, his parents and siblings, his extended family, and all of us who he adopted as a member of the family. No matter how long you knew him, whether all your life or simply for one day, you were immediately touched by Dr. Lazzara. You became a member of his family. And you could not help but be warmed by that inclusion.
It was always a form of comfort to come to the office. Dr. Lazzara and Bernadette made their practice homey and cozy. Both Marc and Bernadette welcomed you in. It was always fun to see Marc and Bernadette jest with one another “°Ã¢”šÂ¬” an example of a truly incredible partnership. He would love to talk about Bernadette and his children, combining a playful one-upmanship with adoring affection, love, and tremendous pride. When his daughter developed spinal meningitis, he was completely consumed with finding a cure for her. And with his determination and love, he did. He adored his mother. He cared for his father. It was actually while he was present for his father at Saddleback Hospital, waiting with his mother, that he was also present for me in the darkest hour of my life. I lost the most precious being of my life in an incredible tragedy “°Ã¢”šÂ¬” while I was birthing my miracle daughter and only child Olivia True, an accident occurred during labor and she died. While my mother tearfully walked the hallways, there was Dr. Lazzara sitting by his mother. He wholeheartedly and willingly came with my mother to my hospital room. I will never forget that moment of his standing in my room, his caring eyes, his compassionate voice, his concern. To stand and be with someone in the bleakest and darkest night of the soul and spirit is the example of the true Friend of Christ. Through the months afterwards, he always checked on me, seeing how I was doing, counseling and comforting me, always concerned in my perpetual trial of grief. Little could I imagine that seven months to the day of Olivia”°Ã¢”šÂ¬Ã¢”žÂ¢s loss and his presence with me in that moment, he would be taken too. Tremendous, powerful and beloved souls taken before their time. Little did I expect to return to O”°Ã¢”šÂ¬Ã¢”žÂ¢Connors so soon after they had delicately cared for Olivia”°Ã¢”šÂ¬Ã¢”žÂ¢s body that they would respectfully care for his. His service was beautiful and dignified, full of those who loved him, accentuated by a eulogy of affection, sweetness, and honor.
I suppose he would be considered what you always wished a doctor would be “°Ã¢”šÂ¬” a modernized Norman Rockwell physician. He”°Ã¢”šÂ¬Ã¢”žÂ¢d greet patients in the waiting room! He called you at home checking how you were