The world lost a remarkable presence on February 19, 2026 with the passing of John R. Lazzara, age 76.

John, affectionately known as "Johnny" or "Johnny Lightning," was born on December 26, 1949, to Eleanor and Blaise Lazzara. Raised on Chicago's Southwest Side and later in adjacent Oak Lawn, he took great pride in his Italian heritage, a foundation that shaped his lifelong values of family and hard work.

A natural leader and athlete, John attended Richards High School where he earned a spot on the varsity team as a freshman. His competitive spirit quickly became legendary, and by sophomore year he was out-wrestling competitors across every weight class at his school. After graduating, he continued his education at Indiana University. A gifted drummer, initially pursued percussion before ultimately earning a degree in marketing. During his college years, he also distinguished himself as a standout water skier.

Following graduation, John got his start in business when he opened a pizza restaurant inside Arena Lanes in Oak Lawn called That sa Nice Restaurant. His brother Ray joined the business in 1973 and the restaurant was a solid success, with annual sales rising 290% by the time it was sold in 1976.

In 1975 the brothers acquired a bankrupt Shakey`s Pizza franchise at 82nd Street and Cicero Avenue in Burbank and transformed it into a themed restaurant. They called it Annie Tiques and punctuated the decor with myriad eccentricities, like putting the salad bar in the bed of a 1925 Model T truck in the front of the restaurant.

Building on the momentum of their successful Annie Tiques venture, the brothers acquired Drury Lane/Martinique Banquets shortly after Christmas 1987, with Johnny stepping in as CEO and executive producer. The theatre made impressive artistic strides under Johnny and he exerted control over everything, right down to casting decisions on new shows. Johnny wasn't afraid to take chances. Under Johnny's leadership, the 800-seat theater-in-the-round became known for its musicals, concerts and revues tailored to a devoted audience.

For 16 years, Johnny spent his summers in a first-floor office at the Drury Lane Theatre-Martinique Restaurant and Banquet complex in Evergreen Park, developing ideas for upcoming all and winter productions. During his time producing shows at Drury Lane, John received four Joseph Jefferson Awards, which recognize excellence in Chicago-area theater, for productions including Singin' in the Rain, La Cage Aux Folles, All Night Strut and Sophisticated Ladies. A gifted producer with a remarkable vision, he also brought legendary performers to the stage, including Debbie Reynolds, Lou Rawls, The Platters, Bobby Vinton and The McGuire Sisters, Jim Nabors, Phyllis Diller, Rosemary Clooney, Steve Allen, Pat Boone and Patti Page. He was also the creative force behind the annual "Celebration on Ice" holiday show, which delighted audiences for twelve years.

In 2004, recognizing a shifting market, John and Ray made the strategic decision to sell the successful The Drury Lane-Martinique complex, with a Walmart opening in its place by January 2005. Yet the legacy of Martinique Drury Lane lives on, as countless South Siders fondly remember celebrating weddings and events in the Martinique's Wedding Chapel and Grand Ballroom –leaving an indelible mark on the community to this day.

Following the closure in 2003, the transformation of Annie Tiques into The New Martinique was simply the next step in John and Ray's 50-year journey. As brothers and business partners, they were remarkably aligned. Their success was driven by a shared vision, and they rarely disagreed on the direction of their business. Beyond being business partners, they were brothers who took care of each other. Johnny maintained that family was a core value, believing it was their responsibility to always look out for one another.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, Eleanor and Blaise Lazzara. He is lovingly survived by his brothers, Ray (Deanna) Lazzara and Jim (Ginny) Lazzara; his sister Diane Lazzara; his nieces Lauren (Dan) King and Julie (Matt) Schneider; and his cherished great-nephew and great-nieces.

Johnny was larger than life. He touched countless lives with his generosity, humor, and colorful spirit. Always the life of the party, he never missed an opportunity to share a great story or bring joy to those around him. Johnny had a passion for fast cars, Hoosier football, movies, and the color red. He was deeply loved by his family and especially treasured the time he spent spoiling his great-nephew and great-nieces, who brought him immense happiness.

A private ceremony will be held in Johnny's honor for close friends and family.

Johnny will be deeply missed and forever remembered. He was one-of-a-kind and in closing, as he always said, "Have you looked in the mirror? You look marvelous today!"

A visitation will be held at Boynton Memorial Chapel from 12:00 pm-2:00 pm on Monday, February 23rd, with a brief prayer service beginning at 1:15 pm.

John will be laid to rest at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery at 3:00 pm on February 23, 2026.

The family will be hosting a luncheon at Cafe Sapori in West Palm Beach following the services.

Memorial donations may be made to Evans Scholars .