But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31

Colonel Joseph Darden Lazzari, United States Army (Retired), age 82, of Roswell, GA took his final flight straight into the arms of his loving Savior on September 12, 2024 after a long illness. He was born on October 18, 1941, in Washington, DC to the late Bruno John and Audrey Regina Lazzari. He leaves behind the love of his life, Dianne; one son, Kevin (Karla); one daughter, Liz (Jamie); 2 stepsons, Andrew Wylie and Adam Wylie (Mary Huston); and 7 grandchildren, Emma Wylie, Michael Wylie, Mary Bell Wylie, Karoline Lazzari, Claire Lazzari, CJ Lazzari and Scarlett Cohen. He also leaves one sister, Nancy Hislop, 2 nephews and their families. Joe was a loving husband, father and "Granddaddy".
Joe attended Gonzaga High School in Washington, DC where he excelled in academics and sports. He was offered an academic scholarship to Georgetown University, but chose to attend John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio on a football scholarship as a quarterback. He received his master's degree from Georgia Tech University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Joe joined the army, learned to fly and served his country for 26 years. He had two tours in Vietnam, flying for Special Forces and flying the Mohawk. He was stationed in Montgomery, Alabama, Fort Huachuca in Arizona, the Pentagon, Hawaii and retired from Ft. McPherson, in Georgia with Colin Powell as his last boss. He was an aviator performing top secret missions and an intelligence officer. Highly decorated, he was awarded his 1st Bronze Star on his first tour to Vietnam and his 2nd Bronze Star on his second tour. He served his country with great distinction and great honor. He was awarded many medals during his career. He was being sent back to the Pentagon to become a General of the Army but a family matter prevented this and he decided to retire. In an emergency situation in our nation, he could have been called back to service and would have automatically become a General. He then worked for CCI doing top secret work until he retired and started working in real estate with his beloved wife, Dianne.
Everybody loved Joe. Dianne often said he would have been a yellow lab in the dog world just like their precious Emerson. He never met a stranger and lived a life of exciting adventures and constant activity. From riding horses, skiing, spending time at the lake, gardening, traveling, entertaining friends, playing golf, watching football—his life was full. He read voraciously and had an incredible vocabulary due to his 8 years of Latin. Joe was a true Renaissance man. The most important thing to remember Joe was that he was a man of God who loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Joe and Dianne shared an incredible life together. They worked together as a real estate team, traveled extensively, and spent a lot of time with beloved friends and family. They were involved in church activities, were certified handlers with Canine Assistants and served on the board of the American Hydrangea Society with their personal garden being on tour several times.
The world has lost a shining star but there is comfort in knowing that Joe is in heaven with loved ones and throwing a tennis ball to his beloved yellow lab, Emerson. Suffering from Vascular Dementia and PTSD, he is now healthy and whole and at peace. Dianne wishes to thank all the angels God sent each day to bring God's love and comfort as she walked through the valley of the shadow with Joe. The family also wishes to thank Cornerstone Hospice for the amazing love and care they provided.
Colonel Joseph D. Lazzari will be buried in a private, immediate family only, ceremony with full military honors at Georgia National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Folds of Honor.