John Lasco Jr.

Commander John Lasco, Jr. (USN Red) of Surprise, Arizona, went to be with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on Thursday, July 12, 2012. He was 95. John was born in Coatesvile, PA on May 23, 1917, the only child of John and Betty (Angel) Lasco who emigrated from Romania in the early 1900s. At the age of 17, John joined the US Navy, and retired in 1964 after 28 years of military service that included World War ll, the Korean Conflict and the Viet Nam War. After retiring from the Navy, Cdr. Lasco continued his career in civilian life in the field of Hospital Administration. John graduated from George Washington University in 1949 with the degree of Juris Doctoris (JD), conferred by President Harry S. Truman. One of the high points of Cdr. Lasco’s life and career occurred in 1962 when he authored Congressional Legislation that was later passed by the U.S. Congress as the Medical Recovery Act (Public Law 87-693). This law has allowed the U.S. Government to recoup millions of dollars annually for injuries inflicted upon U.S. servicemen by third party wrongdoers. Our Government will continue to recover millions of dollars from this law in perpetuity. Cdr. Lasco has received two Navy commendations for writing and getting PL87-693 passed into law. This law is a legacy to John’s Nation and Family! A dedicated athlete, John believed that physical fitness contributed and energized his youthful spirit. He never missed his daily workout, staying in shape to compete in the Senior Olympic Games. John shattered the “aging myth” through his track and field accomplishments, accumulating over 200 medals. John’s mantra was “whatever you do, do it as well as you can”. A summary of John’s life would not be complete without mentioning his belief in Lord Jesus Christ with whom he now rests in eternal security. John looked forward to Heaven where he has now joined his parents and eldest son John, along with John’s wife Barbara, who all preceded him into God’s eternal kingdom. A devoted husband, dedicated Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, John’s loving spirit survives in the hearts of his wife of 73 years, Ruth (George) , his sons, Thomas and Andrew, his daughters, Ruth, Susan and Mary Jane, as well as nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and cousin, Stella Atkinson. John has been a treasure to his family and will be greatly missed by them and all who knew him. A memorial service to celebrate John’s life will be held at Grace Community Church, 16165 W. Mountain View Blvd., Surprise, AZ. 85374 on Saturday, July 21, 2012 at 11 am.