Gregory T. Lollar

Gregory Thomas Lollar, known to friends as Greg and to older friends as “LaLa,” was born on November 3, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois. He was the beloved child of Evelyn Lollar and Earl Dishman. Greg departed this life on Monday, November 24, 2025, at home, surrounded by his wife, his children and his brother, Kevin. Greg attended public schools in Washington, D.C., graduating from Cardoza High School before heading to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to further his education. While he initially planned to pursue a degree in Oceanography, he often joked that he mostly “shot pool and chased girls.” In 1971, Greg met Rhonda. Although she didn’t immediately take to him, her mother, Willa Mae, did—and thanks to her, Greg quickly became a regular guest at their Sunday dinners. When Willa Mae passed in 1973, she asked Greg in her final moments to take care of Rhonda. As Greg’s charm continued to distract Rhonda from her studies, she decided to leave for nursing school later that year so she could focus. Greg eventually moved to Columbus, Ohio, where he worked in the audiovisual department at Ohio State University. The two married on May 8, 1976, in Homestead, Pennsylvania. From this union, three children were born: David Gregory (1982), Alexis Marion (1985), and Ivan Thomas (1989). Greg and Rhonda lived in Homestead until 1977, then moved to Columbus, Ohio. Greg worked for Gold Circle Industries, and in 1986 the family—now with two children, David and Alexis—relocated to Florida. Three years later, they welcomed their third child, Ivan. Greg worked at Frito-Lay until Rhonda encouraged him to return to school and finish what he had started. While Rhonda traveled as a nurse, Greg became a devoted stay-at-home father, deeply involved in his children’s activities and volunteering in their schools. He attended Seminole State College, earning his associate degree in June 1998, and later completed his Bachelor of Arts degree with a (graduating with a 4.0) at the University of Central Florida in 2000. Greg had always wanted to work with at-risk youth, remembering his own challenges growing up in Washington, D.C. He served as a counselor at Covenant House and later strengthened his skills as a Career Transition Specialist for Jackson Pierce Public Affairs, Inc., with Job Corps Admissions and Career Services. At age 62, he retired but soon volunteered at the Adult Literacy League, eventually becoming a Life Skills Counselor at the 33rd Street Jail. He worked there until 2022, when his memory began to decline. Even as he recognized these changes, Greg faced them with grace—never complaining, always remaining the steady strength of his family. Greg is preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn, and his brother, Darryl. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 49 years, Rhonda; his children, David, Alexis, and Ivan; his grandchildren, Alex and Ethan; his brother Kevin Lollar of Frederick, Maryland; as well as a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues, and friends.

Gregory T. Lollar

November 3, 1951 - November 24, 2025