Thomas K. "Tom" Lazar, of Woonsocket, Passes at 54

Thomas K. "Tom" Lazar, of Woonsocket, Passes at 54

The passages from Scripture are familiar to most. “Feed my sheep", “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”, “Man does not live by bread alone”, “Whatsoever you did to the least of my people, you did unto Me”. Those words are instructions, and some would say commands, from Jesus found in the Bible. But to Tom Lazar, those words were his “recipe for life”.

Thomas K. “Tom” Lazar, 54, of Woonsocket passed away Sunday, August 1, 2021, at home. Tom was born on March 26, 1967, in Providence, Rhode Island to the late John R. and Gladys C. (Hindle) Lazar.

Tom attended Providence schools. He was a resident of Providence, Warren, Riverside, and Woonsocket until his passing.

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Tom was a chef at a number of establishments throughout the Ocean State, most notably Barrington Country Club.

Tom was involved in outreach ministry at the Mathewson Street United Methodist Church in Providence. Tom spent many years working with the homeless, cooking and serving food for the church’s soup kitchen. Tom was once homeless. As a person who faced that situation himself, he advocated for the homeless. He would advise individuals seeking help with whatever their situations were. Tom was always ready with a plate of food, an open ear, a friendly smile, and most of all an open heart to anyone in need.

Tom was a diehard Washington Redskins fan. Football season saw him support the Redskins with all his might. He was also a big sports fan in general. Tom was an avid pool player and liked to hit the bowling lanes. As a true foodie, Tom was always game to try exotic or innovative cuisine.

Tom relished the classic music of the 70s and 80s and loved to sing along and belt out the lyrics of so many of his favorite tunes.

Tom will be remembered as a sociable, outgoing, and fun-loving person. Tom had a heart of gold and was kind to all he met. His family and friends will forever remember Tom and the blessing he brought to their lives. Tom lived by the words of the Good Book and looked upon each and every day as a gift from God.

Tom is survived by three sisters Cheryl Fenner and her husband Mark of Cumberland, Sandra “Sandy” DiIorio and her husband Thomas of San Tan Valley, Arizona, and Karen Mansi of Warren and two brothers John Lazar of Alabama and Charles Lazar of Bristol. Tom was the uncle of the late Anthony Mansi who passed away in 2020. Tom is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A memorial service for Tom will be held at a later date. Details will be posted on the funeral home website. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Tom’s memory may be made to the Mathewson Street United Methodist Church, 134 Mathewson St. Providence, RI 02903. 

Arrangements are in the care of the Menard-Lacouture Funeral Home, 127 Carrington Ave, Woonsocket.