Long Beach, Toys for Tots honors Lazar LaPenna

On a gloomy, chilly day last Thursday, Long Beach residents, elected officials, the US Marine Corps Toys for Tots organization and friends and family of Lazar LaPenna gathered at the Recreation Center field to honor the late little leaguer. 

Lazar died suddenly on April 29 immediately after he got a base hit in a Little League game in Lido, His father, Gregg LaPenna was coaching the same. Lazar suffered an epileptic seizure as he ran to first base. He died two days after celebrating his 10th birthday. 

During the ceremony, Toys for Tots Maj. Chuck Kilbride said the organization will donate about 600 toys to The Long Beach Christmas Angel in Lazar’s name.  Toys for Tots will also donate Hess Trucks to Lazar’s Little League team, the Braves. The Marine Corps will also provide a plaque announcing the Posthumous Co-Chairman Honor to be displayed inside the Recreation Center.

In the past, only FBI agents and military servicemen and women killed in action were honored as posthumous co-chairmen.

“The purpose for coming here today is to honor young Lazar,” Kilbride said to the about 30 people in attendance. “We are obligated in life to remember, and we are going to remember this little boy, Lazar. Everywhere we go, we will be donating toys in his name.”

Councilwoman Tina Posterli, who was joined by fellow councilwoman Liz Treston, City Manager Donna Gayden and comptroller Ina Reznik, offered condolences to the LaPenna family.

“Our hearts, memories and minds go out to the whole LaPenna family for this unimaginable loss,” Posterli said. “One thing about Long Beach is that we do come together as a community, and we will always support and honor this family and the memory of Lazar.”

Greg LaPenna, surrounded by his entire family, thanked those who attended and also for their overwhelming support.

“We’re overwhelmed to have this honor placed upon us and we appreciate all the love and support from friends, family and strangers," LaPenna said, his voice strained with emotion. “It helps us get by every single day.”

The bottom of the plaque for Lazar reads “One last hit, baseball bats for Lazar.”