The yachting community is mourning the loss of Rich Lazzara, a prominent figure in the industry known for his contributions to Lazzara Yachts and HYM Yacht Sales. Rich passed away at the age of 51, after battling Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurological disease he was diagnosed with in 2021.

Rich Lazzara came from a long line of yacht builders, with over twenty years of experience in the field. Growing up, he worked in his grandfather's Gulfstar factory, where he gained invaluable insights into yacht engineering, processes, and construction.

His impact on the family business was significant, as he played a key role in expanding Lazzara Yachts into a $100 million company by 2008. Rich was praised for his innovative sales strategies, leveraging modern tools like social media, websites, and email to cater to clients' needs effectively.

Yacht-building Legacy

Rich's deep understanding of yacht building and sales led to his remarkable success in the industry. According to a spokesperson from HYM, he was involved in every aspect of the yachting business, from lamination to listings.

Captain David Meyer, a close friend of Rich, expressed his sadness at the news of Rich's passing, describing him as a yachting legend who touched many lives. Rich's influence extended beyond yachting, as he devoted considerable time to youth ministry, inspiring and guiding the younger generation.

Rich Lazzara's daughter, Hayley, remembered him for his unwavering faith, devotion to his family, and the compassion he showed to everyone he encountered. His legacy includes not only his professional achievements but also his commitment to serving others and spreading love and kindness.