Stephen M. Lazarski, 68, of Lebanon, died peacefully, surrounded by family on April 30, 2026, after a hard-fought and courageous 2.5-year-long cancer battle.

He was born in Danville on August 25, 1957, the son of the late Wallace and Mildred (Simcizen) Lazarski.

Stephen was a 1976 graduate of Mount Carmel High School. He resided in Kulpmont, Mount Carmel, Ashland, and most recently, Lebanon. Stephen attended Williamsport Area Community College, where he graduated in 1978 with certificates in Construction and Carpentry.

Stephen took part in the family business at the famous Lazarski's Catering Hall in Mount Carmel, next to his cousin, Kevin Lazarski. Over the years, he worked at various maintenance and construction jobs, most notably at Ashland State Hospital, and then retired after 28 years with the PA Liquor Control Board. Stephen loved his PLCB wood shop family. He enjoyed sharing pictures of his work, including expensive wine barrel projects and woodwork inside all PA Wine and Spirits stores. Most of the furniture in his house was built by him. He was a true master carpenter with a deep love for his craft.

Stephen had a deep love for music, attributed to the musical excellence and discipline instilled in him by his beloved mentor, "Prof" Semicek, and the Mount Carmel Mounties. He loved touring and playing all over the East Coast with the band, including NFL games and Canadian football games. He was the trumpet for "The 3 Diamonds" band, started in high school and played all over Northumberland, Columbia, and surrounding counties until the mid 80s.

Stephen also had a deep love for nature. He spent most of his time as a kid in the woods, picking mushrooms and bird watching. Even when things were difficult in the cancer journey, he kept a close eye on his window-mounted bird feeder right next to him.

Above all, his deepest love was for friends and family. Throughout his entire cancer journey, he never complained and was only concerned that his family was taken care of. Stephen truly appreciated and adored everyone who reached out to him over the journey.

Stephen's family would like to thank so many at Penn State Hershey who were vital to helping him become more comfortable throughout his journey and helped him fight just a little bit harder every day, including: Dr. Pham, Dr. Disalvio, Dr. Yee, and Dr. Goyal; Tom and Deana in RadOnc; Patrick and Rebecca, RN in the infusion lab; Patrick in the MICU; and Chuck in valet. Also (outside of Hershey), all of the hospice nurses, doctors, and support staff in the final 4 months — including ex-wife, Paula, whose compassion and medical expertise were invaluable.

Stephen was preceded in death by his father, Wallace; his mother, Mildred; and a brother, "Little Larry." He is survived by his son, Brian; his daughter, Laurieann; two sisters, Lois Ann (Harry) Buhay and Michelle (Will) Greenawalt; as well as many cousins, aunts, and uncles.

All are invited to a Funeral Mass, which will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 11 a.m. with Father Andrew Stahmer officiating in the Church of the Holy Angels, 855 Scott St., Kulpmont. There will be no visitation, and the burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a scholarship fund set up for high school musicians at Mount Carmel in Stephen's memory. Checks can be made out to Mount Carmel Area School District, ℅ Steve Lazarski Memorial Fund, 600 West Fifth Street, Mount Carmel, PA 17851. Arrangements are in care of C J Lucas Funeral Home Inc., 1053 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, PA 17834, Ashley P. Doyle, Supervisor. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.cjlucasfuneralhome.com