John V.P. Lassoe, a prominent lay person in the Diocese of New York, died Dec. 9 at the Brooklyn (NY) Medical Center. He was 72. Mr. Lassoe was employed by the Diocese of New York for nearly 30 years, holding a variety of positions on the diocesan staff.

Mr. Lassoe was born and raised in Brooklyn and resided there at the time of his death. He received a B.A. degree from Yale and a master's degree from the University of Chicago. He served in the infantry during World War II. Prior to joining the diocesan staff, he was employed by the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church and other organizations. His last positions with the Diocese of New York were as secretary to the diocesan council and assistant to the bishop. In 1984 he received the Bishop's Cross, the highest honor in the Diocese of New York.