Donald G. Latus

Donald G. Latus, 76, aka “Pop Pop”, passed away on August 14, 2021 after a brief illness. Born on January 12, 1945, he was the son of the late Marjorie and Frederick Latus. Don grew up on Babcock Hill, NY. He also lived in Brewster, NY, Elgin, IL, and retired to West Barnstable, MA on Cape Cod, his favorite vacation spot.

Don is survived by his wife of 31 years, the former Susan Crowell; and his twins, Monica (Roy) Freer and Stephen (Grace) Latus. He was the ultimate “Pop Pop” to Austin, Jordan, Mason, Spencer, Ava and Zachary Freer.

Don was one of 11 siblings, including eight who survive him: Ann (Sam) Buranich, Ellen (Joe) Loiacono, Susan (Pat) Daly, Tom (Sanford Hyson) Latus, Patricia (John) Barry, Mary (George Thompson) Shedlock, Justin (Josie) Latus, and Jane (Ken Jones) Latus; sister-in-law, Ellen Latus; brother-in-law, Tom Rasmussen; 19 nieces and nephews and 25 great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Marjorie Latus; brother, Frederick Latus Jr. and brother-in-law, Tom Shedlock.

Don built a legacy of Latus - Manhattan College Professional Engineers, along with his father and son. He was in the first Masters Chemical Engineering class at Manhattan College. Don was inducted into the National Engineering Honor Society-Tau Beta Pi, along with his father and grandson, Austin. He was employed by Chevron, Union Carbide and UOP.

Don’s interests included biking Ragbrai across Iowa, Cycle Oregon, playing bridge, and being involved with a men's cooking group on Cape Cod. A huge sports fan, his favorite teams included the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots.

“Pop Pop” enjoyed passing down many of his interests to his grandchildren including biking on the Rail Trail, building a treehouse, the “Latus” sense of humor, including “Why did the plane fly by the sea?” joke and annual trips to the Manhattan/Marist basketball games.

Don was a one-of-a-kind and will be deeply missed.

There will be a visitation on Wednesday, August 25 from 9-11 a.m. at Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus, NY, with burial to follow at 12:30 p.m. in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Church Rd., Clayville, NY. There will be a second visitation on Friday, August 27 from 5-7 p.m. at Chapman Funerals, 3778 Falmouth Rd., Marstons Mills, Cape Cod, MA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Donald G. Latus '67, '68 Memorial Fund, Manhattan College, Attn: Kathy Muskopf, 4513 Manhattan College Parkway, Memorial Hall, Room 100, Bronx, NY 10471, Contact phone: (718)-862-7434