Former Berwyn Mayor Joseph Lanzillotti dies at 91

BERWYN - Former Berwyn Mayor Joseph J. Lanzillotti passed away April 30 in his home surrounded by family. He was 91.

Lanzillotti was Berwyn mayor from 1981 to 1993. He also served as a justice of the peace, city prosecutor, Berwyn Township collector and committeeman for the Democratic Organization of Berwyn.

Lanzillotti was an attorney in private practice in Berwyn from 1960 until his retirement in 1993. He was one of the founders of the Italian-American Civic Organization of Berwyn and a lifetime resident of the city.

"Having served as the city's mayor from 1981 to 1993, as well as justice of the peace and city prosecutor, Mayor Lanzilloti dedicated his life to Berwyn," Berwyn Mayor Robert Lovero said in a Facebook post. "He was a true inspiration to so many and served as a pillar to Berwyn, providing mentorship, advice and a helping hand to so many--myself included."

"My thoughts are with the Lanzillotti family. The Berwyn community lost a very special person and he will be very dearly missed," Lovero said.

Lanzillotti is survived by his wife, Rosemary; children Angela (John Berger) and Francine (Chuck) Lazzara; and grandchildren Taylor and Julian Lazzara and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded by twin brother Carmen and the sister Anna Marie Lynch.

Funeral services are private. A memorial service to celebrate Lanzillotti’s life will be scheduled at a later date.