Michael M. Lastra

BARRE — With deep sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Michael M. Lastra, on December 15, 2024, after a brief illness.

Michael was born on October 24, 1929, in Barre, Vermont, to Miguel and Olga (Zampieri) Lastra. He enjoyed a happy childhood in Barre’s North End. Proud of his Italian and Spanish heritage, he treasured family time and traditions such as picnics at Bear Mountain and Lake Elmore, mushrooming, hunting, fishing, and camping.

He graduated from Spalding High School in 1947 and from Norwich University in 1951 with a degree in Civil Engineering, as part of the Officer Training Corps, US Army. He completed Officer Training at Fort Belvoir near Washington, D.C., and served domestically during the Korean War as a First Lieutenant. He remained a proud Norwich alumnus throughout his life.

In 1955, Michael married Joy Arioli, and they welcomed four children together: Brian, Bruce, Salli, and Mia. They later divorced. In 1994, he married Irene Callahan, who predeceased him in 2023 after 29 years of happiness.

Michael dedicated his career to the Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, working in Vermont, New York, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. He was a respected expert in roads, bridges, and tunnels. After retiring from federal service, he was a consulting engineer with Baker Engineers.

A true Renaissance man, Michael was an outstanding cook who compiled a cookbook of favorite family recipes. He nurtured a passion for cooking in his children and grandchildren, teaching them how to make gnocchi, chicken marsala, veal stew, apple pie, among other dishes. He loved sports—especially baseball, football, and hockey—and enjoyed attending Cornell hockey games with his grandchildren. Michael was an avid reader of history, mystery and espionage novels, and was a fan of Vermont author Archer Mayor. Michael loved music, especially jazz and classical. He and Irene were members of the Tri-State Jazz Society of PA, and the Hedgerow Theater. He and Irene enjoyed cross country skiing. They traveled extensively—visiting 49 states, every National Park, Europe, Central America. He visited Japan as part of a US delegation from the DOT, that sparked a great admiration of Japan.

Michael was a member of the Mutuo Soccorso when in VT - as a child he attended their Feeds with his family, when the women in town would prepare polenta at home and bring it to share, each having a different and delicious variation. As an adult he went on Friday nights, attended many Feeds, and brought his children to see Santa each Christmas. Every Saturday, he took his kids to Rossi’s (Bud’s Market) for Italian goodies, before visiting their Noni Zampieri in the afternoon. Above all, Michael cherished his family. He was a steadfast loving presence in his children’s and grandchildren’s lives, which leaves them with a lifetime of unforgettable memories and gratitude.

Michael is survived by his children: Brian (Leslie) Lastra, Dr. Bruce (Sue) Lastra, Salli (Dr. Ebrahim) Haroon, and Mia (Jeff) Spada; grandchildren: Douglas Lastra, Audrey (Doug) Rohner, Rebecca (Karl) Knipple, Lawrence (McKenzie) Lastra, Meridith (Captain James) Nixon, Anna Lastra, Marisa, Alessandra, and Rocco Spada; and great-grandchildren: Charlotte Lastra, Jillian Rohner, Reagan Knipple and Caleb Knipple. He is also survived by his first wife, Joy, Robert and Nancy Zampieri; many other Zampieri and Lastra cousins; and Irene’s children.

Michael’s life will be celebrated and honored on October 24, 2025, at Hooker Whitcomb Funeral Home in Barre, Vermont, at 10:00 AM, followed by internment at the Zampieri family mausoleum in Hope Cemetery at 11:00 AM. A reception will follow at The Mutuo. The Lastra family extends heartfelt thanks to Paul and Kathy Zampieri, John Reilly of Hooker Whitcomb, and Larry Dodge at The Mutuo for helping to create a meaningful celebration.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity in his memory.