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Paul Lazar

Born: 7/14/1927
Died: 3/5/2023
Age: 95
Community: Flint, MI

LAZAR, Paul - It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Paul Lazar, age 95, from Flushing, Michigan on March 5, 2023. Paul passed away in peace and faith, surrounded by family.

Paul was born in 1927 on Leith Street in the north end of Flint. He enlisted in the US Navy on his graduation from Northern High School. WWII ended as he was graduating from Great Lakes, allowing him what he called a “round the world tour” serving on the USS Pine Island, during which he survived going overboard into the Yangtze River and climbed a pyramid in Egypt. On his return, he went to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, obtaining his degree in Business Administration in June, 1950. He bled Maize and Blue from that point forward. He married the love of his life, Mary Jean, a month later.

Paul’s first career was in Finance. In 1972, at age 45 and with 5 children, he decided to go to law school. He graduated from Detroit College of Law in 1976 following four years of night school. He then returned to Flint and began his practice of law as a Worker’s Compensation defense attorney. He met “the best partner any one could ever have”, Larry Hanba, and in 1981 they founded Hanba & Lazar, PC, a firm based his principles of zealous defense of the client coupled with integrity, professionalism and respect for all.

Paul was a beloved member of the Worker’s Compensation Bar, receiving the Respected Advocate Award from the Michigan Association of Justice in 2011, induction into the Worker’s Compensation Hall of Fame in 2014, and receiving the Civility and Professionalism Award from the Worker’s Compensation Section of the State Bar in 2021. He had a passion for his work and enjoyed countless meaningful relationships with judges, other counsel and clients. He was a mentor to many. These relationships were very important to him.

Paul was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 42 years, Mary Jean (Trench) in 1992. He was also preceded in death by his parents Samuel and Almas, his brothers Jacob and Julius and sister Agnes Yalda.

Paul is survived by his dear sisters Nellie Warda and Jeanne Elia. Paul has 5 children: Paula Lazar, Williamsburg, MI; Laura Lazar, Atlanta, GA; Thomas Lazar and his wife Karen, Alpine, CA; Mary Lazar, Flint, MI; and Bethany Simpson and her husband Steve, Geneva, IL. Grandchildren include Alexandra de Jong and her daughter Aria from San Diego, CA; Taylor Martin and her husband Bobby and their three children Landon, Vale and Rory from El Cajon, CA; Mary Casey Tabor and her husband Peter Tabor, Columbus, OH; and Isabel Simpson and Paul Simpson from Geneva, IL. Paul is survived by many cherished nieces and nephews as well as his devoted caregiver, Morgan Douglass née Scafe, whose tender and devoted ministrations immeasurably enhanced the last decade of his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donation to the North End Soup Kitchen, located near where Paul was born. To donate online, go to www.ccsgc.org/donate. To donate by mail, the address is Catholic Charities, 901 Chippewa St., Flint MI 48503.

Visitation will be Tuesday, March 14, 2023 from 3pm - 8pm at Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 W. Hill Road, Flint, MI, with a Rosary Service at 7 pm that day. On Wednesday, March 15, 2023, visitation begins at 10 am at St. Roberts Catholic Church at 310 N. Cherry Street, Flushing MI, with the Funeral Mass at 11:00 am. Interment will be at New Calvary Cemetery at 4142 Flushing Road, Flint, MI. Luncheon will be served thereafter at Angel Hall.

Your condolences may be shared with the family at swartzfuneralhomeinc.com

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  Swartz Funeral Home & Cremation Center
1225 West Hill Road
Flint, MI 48507

Phone: (810) 235-2345

Web Site: http://www.swartzfuneralhomeinc.com

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Visitation
Date:   3/14/2023
Time:   3:00 PM
Visitation will be Tuesday, March 14, 2023 from 3pm - 8pm at Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 W. Hill Road, Flint, MI, with a Rosary Service at 7 pm that day. On Wednesday, March 15, 2023, visitation begins at 10 am at St. Roberts Catholic Church at 310 N. Cherry Street, Flushing MI, with the Funeral Mass at 11:00 am
 
Funeral Service
Date:   3/15/2023
Time:   11:00 AM
 
Location:   St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church
310 North Cherry
Flushing, MI 48433

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