Michael Lazarus

Michael E. Lazarus passed away at his home in Los Alamos on October 31, 2016. Michael was born on March 25, 1939 in Brooklyn, New York to Charles and Lottie Lazarus. He graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School and received a master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. His lifelong interest in chemistry was sparked when he was given a chemistry set for his 10th birthday. He and his wife Gloria moved to Los Alamos in 1968 where he spent the rest of his career with Los Alamos National Laboratory. Michael had three avocational passions. When he built the family home, he planted 40 fruit trees of all varieties, and enjoyed their bounty for decades. He was an avid skier and often skied 100 days a year after retirement, primarily at Pajarito Ski Area and Copper Mountain Colorado. Michael is best known for his love of dancing, something he inherited from his parents. He was part of the Los Alamos, Santa Fe and Albuquerque dance scenes for 30 years. He taught hundreds of area residents how to dance the country two-step, swing, Latin dances, west coast swing and polka in his home studio or other venues. He will be fondly remembered for sharing his love of dance with so many others. Michael was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Lottie Lazarus, and son Mark. He is survived by his daughter Laurie Overmier (Russ) of Rio Rancho, his brother Brian Lazarus (Arlene), niece Nicole, nephew David of New York, and former wife and mother of his children, Gloria Starner of Rio Rancho. He will be missed by his family, former coworkers at LANL, many friends, and the country dance community. A Celebration of Life will be held in Los Alamos at a later date (in the spring), date and location to be announced.