Daniel Filardi Lazzaroni, age 34, of Roswell, Georgia, went home on Sunday, April 16, 2023. Known by many as Dan, Danny, Lazz, and Coach, he will be remembered for his love of the game of baseball. It was his passion and his joy from the moment he could hold a ball. We will miss his playful smile, his hand gestures and expressions during the game, and the excitement of watching him pitch or dive for a ball in centerfield. It was an amazing ride, Dan, and we will be forever grateful for the time you shared with us.
North Carolina born, and Georgia raised, Dan graduated from Lassiter High School in 2007 with a D1 baseball scholarship. He played college baseball for Siena, UAH-Huntsville, and Southern Poly before deciding to chase his dream to play professional ball. Dan was selected in the first round of the Frontier League professional baseball draft in 2011 and later that summer was offered a free agent spot on the Padres' rookie league team. His whirlwind summer led to moves to High-A, AA (San Antonio Missions), and then AAA (Tuscan Padres). Lazz was happiest with his baseball community – these were his people. It was clear from the joy that radiated from his infectious smile. He stayed active in various men's leagues right up to this spring, playing in championships in Florida and Arizona. He was an active member of the ABCA.
In 2017, Lazz started his own business – Wave Method Baseball – which provided pitching and hitting lessons to hundreds of ball players. Over the years he also coached many teams in the East Cobb community. He was immensely proud of his players and would talk about their accomplishments after each game or lesson. Lazz was also very inquisitive and had a penchant for asking anyone who would listen, "How do you throw a baseball?" He dove into the mechanics and proudly authored eight books to explain his method. His dedication, love, and passion for the game of baseball will always be Dan's enduring legacy.
Dan also had a kind and compassionate soul. He was always the first person to show up whenever family or friends needed help. He was blessed with a hilarious sense of humor and kept everyone smiling. Dan loved to cook and experiment in the kitchen. Creating memorable experiences over food, a game of Whirly Ball, or a virtual reality competition were just some of the ways Dan showed his endless love for his family.
Dan touched so many lives with his passion, friendship, and love. We are forever better because of Dan's presence in our lives. He will be missed beyond measure but will always be in our hearts.
Dan is survived by his parents Teresa Lazzaroni and Bill Lazzaroni (Jennifer), sister Deanna Pate (Jason), stepsisters Sydney Jacobsen (Andrew) and Whitney White (Tyler), nephew Aiden Pate, grandmother Shirley Filardi, Aunt Nancy Predatsch (Jeff Joy), Aunt Shirley Amitrano, and cousins who were really more like brothers: Craig Predatsch (Hannah), Niko Amitrano (Jamie); and many other aunts, uncles, and cousins. Dan is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Francis "Opa" Filardi; paternal grandparents, Horace and Leona Lazarony; Uncle Bob Amitrano (Shirley); and his sweet pup Kali.
A Celebration of Life Service for Dan will be held on May 8, 2023, at 4:00 PM at North Point Community Church located at 4350 North Point Parkway in Alpharetta, Georgia. All are welcome to attend and join us in wearing baseball jerseys in Dan's honor.