Joseph “Jay” Lazar, 82, of Bethlehem, died July 24, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospice House, Bethlehem. He was a son of the late Joseph F. and Tewilla (Trexler) Lazar, and the husband of Dianna (Harpel) Lazar for 58 years.

He was a graduate of Girard College in Philadelphia and attended Western Michigan University, where he was a brother at Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity.

He served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam.

Jay worked for Bethlehem Steel Corp. for many years as assistant general manager of sales until retiring in 2000. He worked as a funeral attendant at the former Long Funeral Home, Bethlehem, from 2004 to 2015 and then worked at the James Funeral Home from 2015 until recently.

He was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ in Pleasant Valley, where he had served on various committees, volunteered to help make candy and helped serve church dinners.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by: daughter Jennifer Lazar, several nieces, nephews and cousins, and many friends. He was predeceased by his cockatiels, Buddy, Lizzie and Zoie.

Contributions may be made to St. Luke’s Hospice House, 2455 Black River Rd., Bethlehem PA 18015 or to the American Lung Association, 2121 City Line Road, Bethlehem PA 18017, would be appreciated.

The family would like to thank Dr. Subhash Proothi for his care and concern, as well as the Staff of St. Luke’s Hospice House for their efforts to make his final hours comfortable and dignified.

Arrangements were made by James Funeral Home.