John Aloysius "Buzz" Lasch III

Colonel (Ret.) John Aloysius “Buzz” Lasch III June 19, 1937 – June 8, 2026 It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Colonel (Ret.) John Aloysius “Buzz” Lasch III, of Woodbridge, Virginia, who passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026, after a brief illness and surrounded by his four children. He was 88 years old. Born in Albany, New York, on June 19, 1937, Buzz lived a life defined by service, leadership, faith, devotion to family, and an unwavering commitment to those he loved. A devout Catholic throughout his life, Buzz's faith guided his service, strengthened his family, and remained a constant source of comfort and purpose. While a young Army officer stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia, Buzz attended a basketball game in 1961 between his alma mater, Florida Southern College, and Mercer University. There he met Anne Kimbrough Small, a Mercer cheerleader and the love of his life. Upon seeing her, he turned to a friend and declared, “I’m going to marry that girl.” True to his word, Buzz and Kim married in 1962 and began a beautiful life together filled with love, adventure, military service, lifelong friendships, and the family they cherished above all else. A graduate of Florida Southern College, Buzz earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and later a Master of Science in Public Administration from Shippensburg University. He was also a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College and the Army War College. Buzz proudly served in the United States Army for 28 years, retiring with the rank of Colonel. His distinguished military career began as an infantry officer and later as an Army aviator. He served two tours in Vietnam as a reconnaissance and helicopter pilot and went on to hold numerous command and staff positions, from company command to assignments on the Army Staff at the Pentagon. His final military assignment was as Director of Aviation for the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command at Fort Monroe, Virginia. Throughout his military career, Buzz earned numerous honors and decorations, including the Silver Star with "V" Device, three awards of the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars with "V" Device, the Air Medal with 43 Oak Leaf Clusters and "V" Device, three Meritorious Service Medals, and two Army Commendation Medals. Yet despite these remarkable achievements, he took the greatest pride in the soldiers he served alongside, mentored, and led throughout his 28 years of service. Military life took the Lasch family across the country and around the world, moving 21 times in 28 years and creating countless treasured memories and lifelong friendships. Through deployments, overseas assignments, and the many chapters of military life, Buzz and Kim built a home wherever they landed and embraced each new adventure together. Following his retirement from the Army in 1988, Buzz began a successful second career with Northrop Grumman, where he spent more than 16 years supporting national defense programs. After retiring from Northrop Grumman, he founded the Lasch Consulting Group and continued consulting for many years. He also remained a passionate advocate for Army Aviation through his decades of leadership and service with the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA). Buzz believed strongly in giving back to the organizations and communities he loved. He was a proud member of the Old Dominion Boat Club (ODBC) in Alexandria, Virginia, for more than three decades, having joined in 1993. There he served on the Membership Committee and enjoyed many years of boating, camaraderie, and friendship. His passion for Army Aviation continued long after his military retirement. He served for approximately 15 years on the Board of Directors of the Mid-Atlantic Aerospace Complex, helping promote aviation, economic development, and opportunities for future generations of aviators. Beyond his distinguished military service, Buzz was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was known for his strength, generosity, humor, and deep love for family and friends. Buzz truly embraced life and found joy in simple pleasures and meaningful moments. He loved being on the water, spending time fishing, gathering around a good meal, singing, dancing, and enjoying the company of friends. One of Buzz's happiest places was Trout Lake Club (TLC) in Diamond Point, New York, home to his family's beloved cabin, "Old Hickory." From childhood through his final years, he cherished the summers spent there with family and friends, creating memories and traditions that became a treasured part of his life and legacy. Buzz and Kim shared a love of travel, music, boating, family holidays, and bringing people together. Throughout their travels and adventures, they met numerous folks (or, as Kim would say, "guys and gals"), many of whom became lifelong friends and extended family. Buzz’s warm spirit, stories, laughter, and ability to connect with people made him someone others naturally gravitated toward and will be fondly remembered. Buzz was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Anne Kimbrough Small Lasch, affectionately known as Kim, Kimmer, and Chief; his parents, John Aloysius Lasch Jr. and Helen Marion Lasch; and his dear sister, Joan C. Alexander, and her husband, Joseph Alexander. He is survived by his children: Deborah Leigh Lasch; John Aloysius Lasch IV and his wife, Lora Anne Lasch; Elizabeth Anne Simms and her husband, Robert Andrew Simms; and Sean Aloysius Lasch and his wife, Joan Elizabeth Lasch; and by his brother, Brian Terrence Lasch. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Jordan Hamblet and her husband, Steve Hamblet; Jacob Leiker; Bailey Stultz and her husband, Zach Stultz; Beth Lasch; Brandon Lasch; Hayley Simms; Oliver Simms; Alena Simms; and Zach Houdart; and great-grandchildren Camrynn Balintfy and Jameson Hamblet, along with many extended family members and dear friends who will miss him greatly. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Buzz’s life and honor his memory. Viewing Wednesday, June 17, 2026 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Miller Funeral Home 3200 Golansky Boulevard Woodbridge, Virginia Funeral Mass Thursday, June 18, 2026 11:00 a.m. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church 12807 Valleywood Drive Lake Ridge, Virginia A reception will follow the Funeral Mass at: Old Hickory Golf Club 11921 Chanceford Drive Woodbridge, Virginia Colonel Lasch will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Details regarding the interment will be shared once they become available. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army. Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that Buzz has been reunited with Kim, the love of his life. We imagine them together again, hand in hand, dancing across heaven’s floor, smiling, laughing, and enjoying the music once more. Their love story continues beyond this life and lives on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know them. His legacy of service, faith, love, laughter, friendship, and devotion to family will live on in all who knew and loved him.

Tributes

John Aloysius "Buzz" Lasch III

June 8, 2026