John Bligh
- Retired teacher
A former student paid tribute to retired teacher Ronald Lazarus: “The successful lives we’ve made for ourselves is due largely to his being a guiding force for good at a time in our teenage lives where few other adults would even put up with us,” said Jeff Vargon.
He is just one of a chorus of former students, all now close to retirement themselves, still remembering Ronald, their performing band and music teacher, and the role he played in their lives. Ronald, 72, died on July 7, 2020, of heart issues.
Ronald spent his entire 32-year career at JHS 45 in the Belmont section of the Bronx, retiring in 2003.
“As students, having the honor to be a part of his concert band from 7th through 9th grade,” Vargon said, “we were offered a refuge from the crazy, unpredictable world around us and the opportunity to express ourselves through music, showing the world that we weren’t just a group of troubled adolescents but talented and, sometimes, gifted musicians.”
Joseph Tribuzio, a paraprofessional at New World HS in the Bronx, and Vargon, an English teacher, were members of a student band during those years. The band celebrated its 40th reunion just before Ronald died. He was unable to attend in person but instead caught up with Vargon on the phone.
“He played a part in all our lives and came to my wedding in 2000,” said Tribuzio, who last saw Ronald two years ago when he came to a performance Tribuzio directed at his high school.
“Without a doubt, he loved his profession and his students,” said former colleague Neil Aliberti.
Ronald’s philosophy was that music is for everyone, Aliberti said, so he brought back evening concerts for parents and had his band students play at school performances and celebrations and at community and district school events. Aliberti remembers that students in Ronald’s first class presented him with a tie at year’s end as a sign of their affection.
That affection was reciprocated. At the 30th reunion of his Class of 1980, Vargon remembers “Laz,” as he was known to students, saying, “I am thrilled to see that all the students who were in my class have been so successful in life and enjoying life. That makes it for me. My feeling is that the time you spent in my class will never happen again in your life or in my life so I wanted to make it as good as possible.”
Shortly before Ronald died, Vargon told him, “We would never have become the individuals we are today if it weren’t for the time we had with you in our lives.”
Ronald is survived by Bernadette Gmuer, his companion of many years; a brother, Marc, and sister-in-law, Barbara; a daughter, Tami Szabo; and a grandson.
I am who I am because of “Laz”. Going on my 28th year as a band conductor in the Bronx. All because of the great Ronald Lazarus. I echo all of his instructional characteristics and still use many of his exercises. I look up and thank him everyday when I use one of his many cliches during class. His legend lives on in all of us. We were all blessed.
Ronnie and I were neighbors and best friends from pre-school days until I moved in the 7th grade. He ate dinner with us often and loved my mother’s cooking (she was Italian). Ronnie was a year ahead of me at PS 93. In the 5th grade, He elected music class and took up the trumpet. The rest, as they say, is history. I’m so glad he stuck with music and found a career in it. Rest in peace Ronnie.
R. I. P Laz
My band teacher in what was then Paul Hoffman jhs. 1975- 1977. I remember our performance in Lincoln center. Had a great time. Great band teacher and great person.
I Zulma Perez played clarinet.
My deepest condolences to you, Bernadette. I just heard about Sergeant Ron Lazarus’ passing from a fellow Soldier-Musician, Staff Sergeant Joe Nista. All of us retired from the 199th Army Band, Peekskill/Cortlandt Manor, that was located in Camp Smith, NY. I met Ron in 1993. Aside from being one of the best trumpet players in that band, he was a decent human being who treated others like he wanted to be treated. He has a heart of Gold, and a warmth of the Sun, and a Spirit of Goodness that will always be remembered. He has a wonderful sense of humor, too. We played all over NY State. As another of his friends so aptly said here, he really did stand up so ardently to the political Party of No, because of his abundant capacity for empathy for his fellow man. We WILL see you again, Brother.
Love,
SFC Patrick Cullen
I wasn’t a member of the school band but he was my home room teacher back in 1972, my last year at Paul Hoffman, J.H.S. 45. I remember him as easy going, mellow, and a very likable teacher who never gave anybody a hard time, and he always had a great disposition. I wasn’t what you would call a promising student but two graduate degrees later, I still remember him as one of the better teachers I encountered, and certainly my best home room teacher ever.
Fund memories of my homeroom teacher Mr. Lazarus and JHS 45. 1972 graduate. Best times!
RIP Laz
I was one of Laz’ students, as were several of my siblings. Bringing music theory and learning to read music will always be one of the most amazing experiences of my life. He and Mr. Mashburn took our minds places we would never have gone otherwise. Thank you for being the very cool teacher and mentor you were. May you R.I.P.
Played drums for Mr. Lazarus and the J.H.S 45 band from 80 to 82. He literally changed my life. When I thought I wanted to be a rebellious teen and other teachers at the school gave up on me “Laz” was the only one who believed in, stood up for, and went to bat for me. Even when other teachers said he shouldn’t. His influence has stood with me to this day. We corresponded a few times via email over the years I wish it would have been more. He was a GREAT teacher and and even BETTER PERSON (RIP Laz).
Miguel Quinones JHS 45 class of 82
I worked with Ron for 33 years .
He was not only a great teacher but also a wonderful human being.
I would go down to his band room and talk to him often.
He a a great relationship with his students.
They spent many lunch periods with him.
They really loved him.
I think about him often.
I had the pleasure of learning how to play the trombone after ditching chorus. It was one of the best experiences of my early development. I learned to read and love music. I gained confidence and appreciation for the art. I’ve always been grateful to have learned from him, and have kept my mouthpiece and some of the music we’ve played, even almost 30 years later. May he rest in peace.
My name is Rosemandy Mateo and was a band member at MS 45 from 1993-1996. Mr. Lazarus left a huge impression in my life. He is a big reason why I love music! Every time I hear “ You can call me Al” I think of him. What a beautiful soul! Thank you for always believing in me! God Rest your beautiful soil!
mike klebanoff nyc high school english teacher. i met ron about 20 years ago at the racetrack. we bonded as avid horse/players,and football giant fans. he set up my tv 2 years ago. i cant do anything. about 7 years ago i got into trouble with the cops pertaining to my car. it waws entirely my fault. i wasw under suspension from my job as a teacher for insubordination, without pay. i needed alot of money to get my car back and pay my fines. i didnt have it. my sister told me to drop dead. in 20 minutes ronnie picked me up paid all my fines, to me to 3 places to get my car. who the hell does that?–i was reinstated as a teacher paid him off in 3 months then got him his very favorite { i cant see it} sandwich with a drink of soda–liverwurst with mayo and onion on a roll. i miss his anti stance on republicans his discussing with me upcoming big horse/races, and his great friendship.
I’ve known Ron since 1985. He was more than a friend to me, he was like my Dad. He took me in when I was 18 and living in my car. At that age I thought I knew everything when I actually didn’t know nothing. I lived with him until I was able to get on my feet and get a place to live. I took it hard when he passed because all through my life since I was a teenager, he helped me to be a better man. He was always there when I needed help and advice. Honestly, if I never met Ron, I probably wouldn’t be here. I’m so grateful that I had Ron in my life and I miss him so much. RIP Ron…and if your looking down here, you can see that you’re sorely missed and loved!
Laz was the best and I’m just one of many that he taught and inspired. He had a lasting impact on me and I still play music to this day. I’m truly sad to hear he’s gone. He made my time in junior high school bearable and the most cherished of all my school memories. Thank you, Laz. Rest in peace.
Mr. Lazarus played a major roll in my life. In 7th grade a fell a few points short of going from Junior to Senior band. Laz looked past that, and by the time I graduated from 9th grade, I progressed enough to win one of the band awards at our 1980 commencement. That summer I began playing shows and clubs. That does not happen without the help and support from Mr. Lazarus. He was my Teacher, Mr Friend, and someone I will never forget. 41 year’s after leaving JHS 45, I still speak of him and thank him. I was so happy to see him just 3 short year’s ago, when he surprised me, by attending one of the school performances I was involved in. He was proud of me, and I was so thrilled, because he was able to witness the results of his dedication to his students and watch me do for my students what he did for me. All these years later I am still a musician, I still remember every great memory from the concerts to the rehearsals in the BPR (band practice room) to the core of friends who still get together and reminisce about the great time we had with Laz. He is Resting In Peace, but I know he is also leading a symphony in Heaven.
I spent the last 16 years with Ronnie and he was the best friend and love that there was. He was sensitive, congenial compassionate, passionate, humorous,, and lovely to be with He had a passion for music, especially the trumpet, passionate for animals, and passion for life. I was at his bedside when he passed on. I think of him all day, sometimes with a smile, sometimes with tears. I’m just glad he did not suffer much. I’m sure Ron is smiling down with the lovely obituary that Jeff Vargon composed. Ron was so fond of graduating from Music And Art and he tried to get his band to have the great memories that Mand A gave to him. I think he succeeded. The world lost a beautiful person on July 7,2020. As they say in the music business “He was a hard act to follow”. I’m so happy to have had the pleasure of enjoying him to the fullest.
I had the honor of working with him. Ron was all heart, and it beats on in those who were his students, his colleagues, and ultimately, his friends. I believe what J. Vargon and J. Tribuzio is spot on, and my condolences to B. Gmuer and all Ron’s extended family. Ron’s working for the angels now, an added star in the sky. D. Bates
Thank you
An incredibly awesome person, teacher, mentor and friend who always had a smile.
He was a great colleague
As one of his first students and protege, I, Vincent Mashburn has worked with Mr. Lazarus or as we call him “Laz:. I was his first in 1971 after we had three teachers prior. Once he came to JHS 45 he changed my life and others forever. He was my best friend and we were roommates in the early years from 1974 to 1980. I stayed by his side teaching to scores of students from 1973- 2004. He was my right hand and allowed me to succeed in life through music. Our bands played at Lehman College for the Arts, Philharmonic Hall, Avery Fisher Hall and last but not least Carnegie Hall. All his credits. What a human being. I sacrificed to be by his side while I worked with the MTA for 28 years changing my schedule to be there at 8:40am in the morning till the afternoon. What a life Long Live Laz!!!
SIP Mr. Lazarus, he loved being a music teacher. Every time I heard John Dever music I thought of him. Those memories will forever be in my heart 1980′-82
Hello I was in Mr.Lazarus class did u live in twin parks? I went to J.H.S same years 80-82
He was the greatest teacher any one could have. He will always be remembered. I myself have many accomplishments working on my 3rd album. Thank you Laz for all the great memories, JHS 45 band class will always be with me it was one of my best memories as a teenager till this day . (RIP Laz )
Frances Rodriguez Castillo band class 45Bx