Joseph J. Lazar

Joseph “Jay” Lazar, 82, of Bethlehem, passed away peacefully in the early hours of the morning on Friday, July 24, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospice House, Bethlehem. He was the beloved husband of Dianna (Harpel) Lazar, with whom he shared over 58 years of loving marriage.

Born in Bethlehem he was a son of the late Joseph F. and Tewilla (Trexler) Lazar. He was a graduated of Girard College in Philadelphia and then attended Western Michigan University, where he was a brother at Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity. He served honorably in the U.S. Army during Vietnam.

Jay worked for Bethlehem Steel for many years as assistant general manager of sales until retiring in 2000. After retirement, Jay worked as a funeral attendant at the former Long Funeral Home, Bethlehem, from 2004 to 2015 and then worked at the James Funeral Home from 2015 until recently. Jay was a faithful member of Trinity United Church of Christ in Pleasant Valley, where he had served on various committees over the years, volunteered to help make candy and helped serve church dinners. He enjoyed being around people and especially helping anyone who needed it.

Jay and his family enjoyed the beach and took many trips to Long Beach Island-NJ and Sanibel Island-FL.  At Sanibel he especially enjoyed sharing a Yuengling Lager with his friends from England Scott, Stu and Richard on their annual trips.

Survivors, In addition to his loving wife, Dianna, he is survived by his devoted daughter, Jennifer Lazar, several nieces, nephews and cousins, and many friends. He was also preceded in death by his cockatiels, Buddy, Lizzie and Zoie.

Services: Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Monday, August 3rd from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the JAMES FUNERAL HOME, 527 Center Street, Bethlehem and on Tuesday, August 4th. from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at Blessed Trinity at Rosemont Lutheran Church, 1705 W. Broad Street, Bethlehem, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM in the Church. Burial with Military Honors will be at Bethlehem Memorial Park.

Contributions: to St. Luke’s Hospice House, 2455 Black River Rd., Bethlehem PA 18015 or to the American Lung Association, 2121 City Line Road, Bethlehem PA 18017, would be appreciated.

The family would like to thank Dr. Subhash Proothi, for his care and concern throughout Jay’s illness, as well as the Staff of St. Luke’s Hospice House for their efforts to make his final hours comfortable and dignified.