Obituary of Gene Lanzaro

Gene Peter Lanzaro of Oceanside, NY, passed away at age 85, peacefully at home on March 30, 2020. Gene was born November 27, 1934 to Catherine Olivo (deceased) and Carmine Lanzaro (deceased), an Italian immigrant. From a young age, Gene’s goal was to get an education. As a young boy, he studied at a Preparatory School in Brooklyn and later graduated from St. John’s University in Queens, NY. After graduation, he served in the US Army and was stationed at Fort Dix, NJ. Upon discharge from the Army, Gene began his career as an educator that spanned some forty years. He began as a grammar schoolteacher and eventually, through hard work and dedication, became Superintendent of Baldwin Schools District. His entire career was within Baldwin School District as evidenced by the Gene Lanzaro Community Service Award given yearly to a deserving student. He had a tremendous career and a passion for educating. He truly dedicated his life to education. Upon his retirement in 1993, Gene embarked upon his second passion, gardening. He became a Master Gardener and later taught classes to future Master Gardeners at Cornell University. He knew the genus and species of every plant, flower, tree…. Dirt was not dirt, to him it was “soil”. His favorite place was Old Westbury Gardens where he spent some of his best days giving tours of the lush gardens and mansion. Later in his life, unfortunately, Gene was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. It was his biggest challenge, robbing him of his independence which he clinged to so desperately until his untimely death. Gene is survived by two sisters, Marianne Havrun of NY and Angela Thornton of Florida. He is the proud uncle to six nieces and nephews and six great nieces and nephews. He was a generous man with a huge heart, especially when it came to his family. He had strong family values and believed in keeping traditions. Christmas Day at Uncle Gene’s house was a ritual. His home so beautifully decorated, a lavish dinner, and gifts that were well planned from October. He was always the one who wanted to know what we were doing for any of the holidays. He was Godfather to many and a sponsor to nephews for their confirmation. He was a role model. He also had an unending faith in God and was a devote Catholic. Gene leaves a legacy that not only can be appreciated by those close to him. His legacy stretches far and wide to many individuals whose lives he has touched, some of whom we will never know. He lived his life with dignity, was well respected, had a bit of sophistication, and a little twinkle in his eye. He had high standards and expectations for himself and those close to him. Strive to be the best you can be. Unfortunately, due to the current state of our society and social restrictions, the family will be having a small private ceremony. However, when this world becomes a better and safer place for all of us, a mass will be held at St. Agnes Cathedral, Rockville Centre, followed by a celebration of a life well lived. Date TBD. Gene will be sorely missed. A space in our heart will be forever empty.