Friday, December 19, 2008
Maurice W. 'Buzz' Lacey, 84, a graphic artist for federal agencies who moonlighted as a musician at restaurants and clubs, died
Dec. 17 of pancreatic cancer at his home at Leisure World in Silver Spring. Maurice Winters Lacey was born in Washington and
graduated from McKinley Technical High School. He formed a musical trio in high school.
He was an Army infantryman in World War II and was part of the 95th Infantry Division's 'Iron Men of Metz' unit, which helped
defeat German forces at the French city of Metz in 1944. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.
After the war, Mr. Lacey studied music at Catholic University and graduated from George Washington University with a bachelor's
degree in commercial art. He worked as a graphic artist for Georgetown University and the Defense Intelligence Agency before
joining the Naval Air Systems Command, where he became art director. He retired in 1986.
Mr. Lacey had been a member of the D.C. Federation of Musicians since 1950. He sang and played guitar and acoustic bass at
many Washington restaurants, clubs and social engagements. His trio, The Three of Us, performed for many years at the
Washingtonian lounge and at the Villa Rosa restaurant. He retired from performing in 1986.
He lived for many years in Rockville, where he was a charter member of the Shrine of St. Jude Catholic Church. He coached
softball teams and was a Eucharistic minister, a member of the Knights of Columbus and an officer in the Holy Name Society.
He also composed music for the church choir.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Joan Pettey Lacey of Silver Spring; two children, Maura Meehan of St. Augustine, Fla., and
Brian Lacey of Garrett, Ind.; seven grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.
-- Matt Schudel