Obituary of Lazaro M. "Laz" Piedra

Lazaro M. "Laz" Piedra, 46, of 35 Trail Road North, Elizabethtown, PA, formerly of Miami, FL, died unexpectedly of natural causes on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 while working in Berks County. Born in Havana, Cuba, he was raised by his father, Antonio Alfonzo-Gato, of Miami, and his mother, the late Gliceria Alfonzo. He was the husband of Kathy C. Escondon Piedra for 24 years on March 15, 2010. Laz was baptized in the Catholic faith. He was the owner of Laz's Washdown Service for the past 18 years. Previously, he was employed by Wenger Feed Mill, Inc. in Rheems, PA. Family and friends were extremely important to Laz. He had a natural way of making others feel welcome and a part of his family. He was known for saying, "No matter what, remember, family is always important." In addition to playing golf, deep sea fishing, and traveling, he enjoyed playing poker, cooking, and enjoying good food. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Chantel C. Piedra of Middletown, PA, US Air Force Staff Sgt. David A. Piedra, husband of Melissa Piedra, of South Weber, UT, and Alexander L. Piedra at home; his birth father, Lazaro Medina-Piedra of Mount Joy, PA; and four siblings, Griceria Piedra of Hialeah, FL, Maria, wife of Michael Lippold, of Bainbridge, PA, Lazaro Piedra-Soto of Mount Joy, and Juan Carlos Piedra of Mount Joy. A funeral service will be held on Saturday afternoon, January 8, 2011 at 4:30 PM at Chiques Church of the Brethren, 4045 Sunnyside Road, Manheim, PA with Elizabeth Laudenberger officiating. Interment will be private. The family will receive guests at the church on Saturday afternoon from 3:00 PM until the time of the service. The family requests that flowers please be omitted. The family will graciously accept contributions to lighten their burden. To share a condolence or for additional information, visit www.spencefuneralservcies.com.