Dimitri Lazaroff

On June 10 2024, Dimitri Lazaroff beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 79. His dear wife of 48 years, passed a few months prior and he couldn’t bear to be without her. Dimitri was born in the town of Kyustendil, Bulgaria and spent his early childhood there. While in elementary school, his family moved to the capitol city, Sofia. Dimitri was a bright student, avid reader, and developed an interest in art early on. He attended the High School for Fine Arts in Sofia. Upon graduating, he joined the military and served for two years. At the time, military service was mandatory for all young men after graduating high school . After his time in the military, Dimitri attended the National Academy of Art, where earned a Master's Degree in ceramics. He went on to become a professor of ceramics at this institution.  There he met the love of his life, Theodora “Teddy” Kurkchiev while she was earning her masters degree in ceramics.

Teddy and Dimitri married, and established a professional partnership as well. They worked together producing mosaics and other ceramic artworks. They had their only child, Anelia “Nellie”. Soon after, with baby Nellie, they fled communist Bulgaria and sought refuge in Belgium, a story in itself. They eventually immigrated to the United States and settled in the Los Angeles area in 1983 with only $300. They started their business, TND Studio, from their small home, specializing in handmade tiles and it was a fast success.

In 1986, they moved to the Palos Verdes Peninsula and opened TND Studio in Torrance creating exquisite tiles for lavish homes and catering to high-end clientele. Subsequently, they moved TND Studio to downtown San Pedro where they created the largest ceramic mural in the world for the new Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim. They also produced monumental ceramic mosaics for Tokyo Disney Seas, Universal Studios, and the Aquarium of the Pacific. From these experiences, Teddy envisioned developing a major theme park focused on intelligent entertainment and eventually created Uniterra, Inc. Dimitri continued to work side by side with Teddy in an effort to make Uniterra a reality.

Aside from his work with TND Studio (and later Uniterra, Inc.), Dimitri was an extraordinarily talented and prolific fine artist. He created sculptures and fine art pottery in ceramics but was also a dedicated and masterful painter and draftsman. He was very passionate about his art and his drive to create never wavered!

Dimitri was a warm and compassionate man with a gentle spirit. He had a great sense of humor! He was highly intelligent, and capable with many talents beyond his artistry . He was a loving, devoted, and patient husband. He was the sweetest, most caring, and attentive father and grandfather. He was a loyal friend. Taking care of his loved ones was always his top priority and he did so until the very end.
 
He is survived by his daughter Anelia Torres, grandson Dimitri Torres, son-in-law Luis Torres, brother-in-law Stefan Kurkchiev, and other extended family.

A memorial will be held for Dimitri in Culver City, CA on Sunday the 27th of October at 1:00 pm

Please contact daughter Nellie by email if you would like to attend:
anelialazaroff@yahoo.com

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