Col. Gabriel “Gabe” Lazar, 89, born March 24, 1920 in Bolj, Slovakia, (then Czechoslovakia), died Friday, Jan. 22, 2010 in Fairhope from complications to colon surgery.
He joined his father in America with his brother and mother on the Aquitania, through Ellis Island. He grew up and was elected to the City Council in Norwalk, Conn. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in October 1941, and in January 1943 received a commission as a second lieutenant.
For meritorious service in Belgium during World War II, he was awarded the Belgian Fourragere. His service included tours in the Korean War 1951-1952 and in Vietnam 1962 and 1963, earning the Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster and numerous service awards. Just before retiring in command of the Signal Corps at Fort Gordon, Georgia in 1970, he was awarded the Legion of Merit.
Prior to moving to Satellite Beach, Fla., in 1979, he lived in Atlantic Beach, Fla., where he became involved in community affairs after his retirement. Besides chairing the local school advisory committee and other service activities, he was honored by being a Duncan U. Fletcher High School Senator for his interest and involvement in education.
At Patrick Air Force Base, he was a volunteer in Project Emeritus. He was a life member in the National and local chapter of TROA, the VFW chapter 4643 and the Military Order of World Wars.
He was a life-long golfer, having scored two holes-in-one, and enjoyed travel and family.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jean Feketi, and his second wife, Florence Marie Bell.
Survivors include his wife of 11 years, Martha Bergan Lazar of Daphne; two daughters, Karen Jean (Kenneth) Korach and Kimberly (Gregory) Low; three sons, William (Deborah) Lazar; Mark (Susan) Lazar and Lance (Marieke) Lazar; step-son, Frank (Maureen) Bergan; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
In keeping with his wishes, his ashes will be scattered in the ocean in Atlantic Beach, Fla., at Easter this year.
The family requests memorial donations be made to the charity of your choice or the St. Johns Housing Partnership, P.O. Box 1086, St. Augustine, FL 32085.
Arrangements are by Hughes Cremation & Funeral Service, Daphne. Online condolences may be made at hughescremationcenter.com.
