Thales Lazos, of Virginia Beach, VA died on December 29th, 2025. He was 68.

Thales, born Barry Saul Lazos, was born in Memphis, TN and raised in Virginia Beach. Growing up he was always mechanically inclined, studying engineering and working as a car mechanic to pay his way through school. His education culminated with a PhD in Aeronautical Engineering from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. He is remembered as someone who had a love for learning, spending many years as a research scientist at NASA Langley. During his tenure there, he won awards for his role in the creation of a robotic hand that was later used in space walks. He studied the forces of drag on vessels, research that was used to improve aircraft and sailboats. Thales retired from NASA in 2014.

Thales was also an avid lover of the arts. In retirement, he enjoyed pickle ball, deep philosophical conversations, card games, and shooting pool. He is remembered for his big smile and boisterous laugh.

He is preceded in death by relatives, Paul (father), Christine (mother), and Barbara Ann (sister).

He is survived by, Gregory Lazos (Lynn) of Mineral VA; Kristin Morgan (Joel), Harvey and Evan Morgan, of Charlottesville, VA; Matt Lazos (Heidi), Cotton and Magnolia Lazos of Virginia Beach, VA; Jason Lazos (Kelly) of Richmond, VA; Joanna Lazos Meredith (Barret), their children Quin, Maggie, Brie, Scarlet, Sylas, and Rip of Mineral, VA; and  Keith, Kevin and Brian Jordan of Washington State.

Due to the inclement weather the memorial service has been rescheduled and will now be held at 1pm on Sunday, February 8th at Sandbridge Community Chapel, UMC. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Virginia Beach’s MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) or PIN Ministry (People in Need).