“We have always loved you, and we will always love you. You will not be forgotten.”
Paul was a patient and loving son, father and husband who brought joy to everyone he met. We cherish our memories of him. He enjoyed playing golf and was good at it. He loved Lake Michigan. He enjoyed camping with his family as a child and later with his own family. He was a great fire builder. Paul was a Wisconsin Packer and Brewer fan. He was also a fan of dogs. He amazed Kenosha neighbors with his unusual fast walking of their two Chocolate labs, Mac and Mane: Paul on a skateboard with a dog on a leash fast walking on either side of him.
Paul’s early passion for sound led him to a 24- year career in the entertainment industry, which began in 1997 in California at Antenna Audio, producing audio-guided tours for museums and historical sites. He then worked at Spark Studios, Emeryville, CA, recording and doing post-production.
In 2004 Paul returned to Madison, Wi to complete a BA in Print Journalism at UW-Madison, and then headed back to Oakland, California. There he joined the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE,) working all facets of concerts and large venues.
In 2012 Paul married the love of his life, Kisha (Mahone) and moved to Kenosha, Wi, her hometown, where they immensely enjoyed family life together. Paul truly enjoyed friendly Kenosha and its Italian food. He was super Dad, playing kickball, basketball, and touch football with his sons, Drake (9) and Baron (6), while emphasizing homework (and virtual schooling in 2020,) and giving them lessons in DJ scratching. He and Kisha routinely enjoyed cooking gourmet meals that satisfied the eye as well as the palate. Their food photos are on Instagram@sofreshandcuisine.
After moving his family to Kenosha in 2012 Paul began work for Local 2 IATSE in Chicago and in late 2013 he became Head Audio Person and Union Steward at “Broadway in Chicago’s” Broadway Playhouse. He supervised many large productions from show inception to the close of the show run, while also running audio.
In early 2019 he left that position to work on various productions throughout the Chicagoland area. Paul worked in various hotel settings on numerous corporate events, along with work at McCormick Place Convention Center, Lyric Opera, Genesee Theater, Harris Theater, Sears Centre, United Center, Wintrust Arena, Live Nation’s Northerly Island, several concerts at Ravinia Festival and much more.
Over the years Paul’s personal interest in electronic music developed exponentially. His friends, family, and audiences remember him as the energizing, uplifting, and highly talented DJ p3096.
Some of his music can be heard at Cupcakin’ – The Pete Zapit Podcast; Get Hyphy Bitch – The Pete Zapit Podcast; Cupcakin’ 2- The Pete Zapit Podcast; Meconium – The Pete Zapit Podcast; 5700 Beats Per Hour – The Pete Zapit Podcast.
Paul is survived by his parents Barbara and John Lazaris (Madison,Wi); his loving wife, Kisha, and their two energetic children Drake and Baron (Kenosha); Kisha’s parents Mary and Ralph Ruffolo (Kenosha); sister-in-law Bree Mahone (Racine, Wi) and her children Ashe, Poppi and Lola; maternal aunts Pam Riepe (Hank. Black Earth, Wi) and Suellen Taylor (Sarasota, FLA.)
Paul is also survived by six cousins: Laura Sygulla (John. Chippewa Falls, WI); Ben Riepe (Dana Murrey. Altoona, Wi); Eric Riepe (Shari. Jacksonville, FLA); Debbie Ziebarth (Mike. Chicago, IL); Pam Landeen (Chicago, IL); Laurie Harwood (Chicago, IL); and several generations of younger cousins.
We would like to thank the Chicago Strangis daughters (Debbie Ziebath, Pam Landeen, and Laurie Harwood) for their love and prayers; Gunner families’ love and support (Riepe, Grinnell, Sygulla, Taylor, Johns); the Ruffolo and Skurski families’ for their love and support. And the outpouring of love from neighbors and friends. We truly appreciate the emotional support and kindness provided by the Mahone Family. Finally, we thank the Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital nurses, doctors, and organ donation team for their compassionate care.
If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. (Psalm 139:9,10)
