Milutin Lazich was born in 1941 to then Deacon Djordje Lazich and Djakonica Evica Lazich in Belgrade, then Yugoslavia, and moved to the United States as a young boy. He attended and received a BFA and Master's degree in Vocal Pedagogy and Choral Conducting from Indiana University in Bloomington.

Milutin, a basso profundo, was a Professor Emeritus of Voice and Director of Choirs at Clarion University of Pennsylvania where he taught, conducted and performed for over 40 years. While there, he met and married his wife Natasha who he met at a Serbian Singing Federation choral festival in Cleveland.

Milutin's singing took him throughout the world performing leading roles in Italy, Germany and here in the tri-state area with Opera Theater of Pittsburgh, Belgrade National Opera among others. As an excellent actor, he was well known for his Musical Theater portrayals, especially his signature role of Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof and Emile de Becque in South Pacific. He was well known as a bass soloist with different orchestras throughout the country including performing with the Pittsburgh Symphony, Mendelssohn Choir, West Virginia Symphony, among countless others.

As a teacher and conductor he mentored, taught, and coached many students who thought of him and called him "Tata". He was a culture bearer and expert in all Serbian music and choral literature, both sacred and secular. He arranged and composed many choral works. Through teaching, conducting, and educating church Serbian singers and choirs, as well as secular choral organizations, he was a major advocate of bringing Serbian Choral music into the mainstream choral repertoire.

He is survived by his wife Natasha, his children Snezana and Dimitrie (Maria), his grandchildren Natalie, Kaya and Matteo, and several nieces and nephews. Along with his family, music was his joy, devotion, and passion.

Milutin entered eternal rest on Monday, February 9, 2026.

Memory Eternal!