Tom “Big T” Lazaroff
Age 70, of Lansing, Michigan
Passed away on April 5, 2025, surrounded by his family.
If you knew Tom, you knew he was truly one of a kind. He had a huge heart, loved people deeply, and always put others first. Without hesitation, he was the kind of person who would do anything for anyone, without expecting anything in return. Whether through his work, his friendships, or his love for his family, Tom lived to take care of the people around him.
Tom spent his early years working for Contrail Railroad, but found his place when he joined the family business, eventually becoming one of the proud owners of Pennway Coffee Shop and Catering. For years, he provided breakfast and lunch to the Lansing community, forming deep bonds with many regulars, especially the Lansing Police Officers, who became some of his closest lifelong friends.
After selling the business in 2002, Tom continued his work in catering and hospitality before finding a true home at Quality Suites Hotel. He loved connecting with guests, and it showed in everything he did.
As his boss said, “Tom wrote the book on putting the guest first”. A perfect reflection of the way he treated everyone.
Tom’s greatest love was for his family. He was his children’s and grandchildren’s biggest fan, nothing made him prouder. His favorite days were spent riding along in the golf cart at his grandsons’ tournament’s and golf matches. He also loved watching his granddaughters dance, whether it was a recital or an informal performance, he never missed a moment. And just like he signed off every text, he’d want us all to keep smiling.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Susan (Kesler) Lazaroff; his children, Lori (Scott) Johnson and Scott (Stephanie) Lazaroff; and his beloved grandchildren, Ethan (Miyania Woods) Johnson, Zach Johnson, Tate Johnson, Alivia Lazaroff, and Addison Lazaroff. Also surviving are his half-brothers, Justin Choulochas and Jason (Margaret) Choulochas; his stepmother, Carol Choulochas; sisters-in-law, Kay Norris and Patti (Art) Austin; and many nieces and nephews.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, George and Marilyn Lazaroff; his father, John Choulochas; his brother, Steve Lazaroff; and his father and mother-in-law, Bob and Glada Kesler.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the staff at McLaren Hospital for their exceptional care, compassion, and kindness during Tom’s time there.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel, 2121 N. Cedar St., Holt. The family will receive friends from 4:00–8:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home, and one hour prior to the service on Friday.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, or the Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Greater Lansing.
Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel.
22 Messages to “Tom “Big T” Lazaroff”
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Art Austin
April 6, 2025 at 5:50 pmI always enjoyed our morning coffee, talking and watching you feed your squirrels when I would come to town. I’ll miss those days but cherish the good times we had. I’ll miss you buddy and you’ll be missed by many. RIP at God’s speed!
Bob Delamarter
April 7, 2025 at 9:59 amI was blessed with the friendship of Tom Lazaroff, and family, for most of my life. He was a special person. But, this is no secret to those who knew him. Family, friends, and acquaintances of his have lived what I lived with him. From Pennway Diner/Catering, “the masters in May”‘, “his hotel”-Quality Suites, and numerous weddings, open houses, parties and events. Tom was a hospitality professional. But not only in business, in life he was more kind, caring, and considerate than most. He did not need reminding of life’s “golden rules”. He lived them. Even through his health challenges he struggled to be positive and cheerful. He was a very good man and a good friend. My heart ache and sadness, from his passing, is comforted by the knowledge he can now rest in peace. I imagine, if he is allowed, he will be catering some awesome heavenly events. God bless his soul.
Michael Huff
April 7, 2025 at 3:13 pmI had the privilege of working with Tom at Quality Suites and his love for people and service was so evident. He was a shinning beacon in this world and will be missed.
Eric Bell
April 7, 2025 at 3:28 pmTom also loved supporting the Military Order of the Cootie (the Honor Degree of the Veterans of Foreign Wars), annual Cootie Christmas at the VFW National Home in Eaton Rapids. At the hotel, he spread his cheer and down home style expertise during the pajama breakfast. He loved “his Cooties” and we were so honored to be called that. Thank you for giving us all your joy and affection. He will be missed. We honor you with a slow hand salute. Rest in Peace brother.
Ramadan Musa
April 7, 2025 at 3:59 pmA Light That Touched Many – Rest in Peace Mr. Thomas
Though I never had the honor of meeting Mr. Thomas in person, I have come to feel the strength of his spirit through the love and sorrow expressed by those who knew him—especially my mentor and teacher, Mr. Mike.
Reading about Mr. Thomas, it’s clear that he was a man of rare kindness, warmth, and generosity. He lived not just to serve, but to uplift everyone around him. A true professional in hospitality, yes—but also a man whose heart had room for everyone. He gave without expecting, loved without limits, and remained strong and positive, even through challenges.
Mr. Thomas touched souls far beyond his own community, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire and uplift people from all walks of life.
To the family of Mr. Thomas and all who knew and loved him: my thoughts are with you in this time of grief and remembrance. We honor the life of a truly great man.
May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may the light he brought to this world continue to shine in the lives he touched.
With deepest sympathy,
Ramadhan Musa
Jackson
April 7, 2025 at 4:13 pmRIP we love you so much I miss you
Jackson
April 7, 2025 at 4:17 pmMy Condolences to the family
Jackson
April 7, 2025 at 4:19 pmJ. T
Denise Gamel Almas
April 7, 2025 at 4:45 pmSue, I am saddened to hear of your husband’s passing. I did not know him but from what I have read, he sounds like a wonderful Man, Husband, Father and Grandfather to all of you. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you receive comfort in the following days. Take care of yourself and may God bless you and your family.???
Sincerely,
Denise Gamel Almas
PSP PENNY and JAMES CACOULIDIS
April 7, 2025 at 5:30 pmTom was definitely a wonderful man. For 14 years his smile and personality never wavered he knew your name and what foods you liked and how to cook just right. No one could replace Tom this past year it just was not the same. Tom rest high on Heavens Clouds but know how many lives you impacted with the way you loved people and brought so many smiles to.. RIP my friend
Bonnie Koeppe
April 7, 2025 at 6:41 pmDear Sue and Family, I’m so sorry to read of Tom’s passing. Although I hadn’t seen him in many years, I will always remember how friendly he was. He played a great Santa for all our kids when they were young. I hope you can find comfort knowing he is at peace and that he was loved by so many. Much love and many prayers, Bonnie
Dave Aldrich
April 8, 2025 at 5:33 pmI’m so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I knew Tom and of course his parents, George and Marilyn and brother Steve, from the many years I visited the Pennway Restaurant. Tom was always such a kind and gentle man and a joy to visit with. I could never stop for breakfast without a trip through the kitchen to say hi! I’ve thought about him and the family many times over the years. My condolences to Sue and other family members, he was certainly a wonderful family man.
Michelle Kusiak
April 8, 2025 at 6:31 pmTom was a super great friend. Always positive. Prayers and hugs. He will be missed
Lavonda Simon
April 8, 2025 at 9:11 pmI hope you know how much you were loved by so many people. You are a true testimony of how a man should live his life. You are irreplaceable and no one will ever take your place. What bothers me the most is that you had to suffer in pain and that just breaks my heart. REST IN PEACE BIG T. YOU WERE A FREAKING LEGEND. I WILL ALWAYS HOLD YOUR MEMORY CLOSE IN MY HEART. LOVE U 2 ETERNITY.
Carlene Duncan
April 8, 2025 at 10:50 pmTom was a warm and caring man. I loved working for him and his family. My heart goes out to Sue and her family.
Don Charles
April 9, 2025 at 7:22 amToo many good times over the years to say here. Starting for us at North Elementary School. Then continuing through many years. Tommy, you were a great friend, roommate, and teammate. Love you Brother…….Sue, the world will be a worse place without him, but heaven gained a star.
Renee Foe
April 9, 2025 at 9:13 amRIP Tom, you will be missed although I didn’t see you much after H.S. The memories will live on for the rest of our lives. Especially when our house was being evacuated after my parents arrived home to clear the party out and Tom shook my dad’s hand on the way out. I told his daughter about the party and when Tom heard my name he told her all about that night. It’s the memories we share and the good times. Tom you’ll always be remember. Condolences to Sue and the family
Allie Scannell
April 10, 2025 at 8:41 pmI have been very good friends with the Lazaroff family for well over two decades now, we were fast friends to say the least , and we have been rolling through life’s many challenges and stages together thick as thieves ever since!!! 😉 I could write a full dissertation about the many roles they have played in my life, most especially since I had Frankie 8 years ago. I love each of them differently and unconditionally, and always will!!
Tom had an undeniable warmth about him that you could feel across a room, always with a big smile so happy to see you that you’d think you were dropping off the winning lotto ticket to him?!! He had more cool than a whole pool, he was THE MAN!!! He literally showed up all the way for everyone, I got to see him in action several years ago while he was serving his people at the hotel and it damn near moved me to tears, he was just delightful with them all and they absolutely adored him!! Tom “Big T” literally lit up the room every where he went!!!
We love you so much Tom Lazaroff, and we’ll see that big smile when we all reconvene on the other side.
Allie Scannell & Frankie Tripp
Scotty G
April 11, 2025 at 5:30 amTo the Family and Friends of Tom,
Awhile back I met Tom and we became good friends. The giving and kindness he displayed was over the top and unmatched by anyone I’ve ever met.Tom was always Open and Honest but mostly willing to make his life and others better. He loved bringing 2 dozen doughnuts from Tim Hortons every Friday afternoon to a group he was very much a big part of – WE gave him the nickname “Tom Horton’ – May we all continue the memories of Tom by sharing them with others-
To the family may The Good Lord Bless You and Keep You til then as we all trudge the road to Happy Destiny!!
Love,
Scotty G
Jeff Worden
April 11, 2025 at 9:18 amWhat a great friend ! We had some wild times Really gonna miss our coaching MSU football. your 1 in a million Brother. Always in my Heart. Sue my heart goes out to you , Lori, and Scot
Michael Crumb
April 11, 2025 at 10:04 am70 years of memories, We grew up together on Orchard Street, You were always twice as big as me. Every year there was the annual two on two Super Bowl of back yard football. Weeks of planning and then the big game every Thanksgiving.
There was the week of your John Wayne impression. Your mother wanted to cut your life a little short after that.
We had a lot of common friends through the years even though we went to different high schools. Pennway was always part of our families lives. I’m pretty sure that we had one of the largest open houses in Lansing when we graduated and had the joint open house at Pennway.
After that there were those years of your charity golf outing. Lots of the same friends from years past. Seems to be a common theme when people talk about you.
Our cousin Don told me of your passing the day of my mothers funeral. Amazingly you appeared in more photos than anyone else at her funeral. There you were with your favorite red suit and white beard. She loved getting her picture taken with Santa.
You will be missed by all of those that you have made friends with. Our prayers go out to Sue and your family.
You were truly one of the greatest.
Your cousin and friend,
Mike C
Bruce merritt
April 14, 2025 at 6:46 pmI was very sad to hear Tom had passed. My heart goes out to Sue and the kids. You were a good man Tom. I used to enjoy seeing you at the restaurant and we had some good times brother. I’ll see you on the other side big fella. Bruce