Ernest H. Lathrop Jr.

Ernest H. Lathrop Jr, 88, of South Onondaga, passed away Tuesday from complications of Covid-19. A lifelong resident of Syracuse, he graduated from Onondaga Valley Academy. Ernie was a proud Navy veteran who served with the Seabees in Guam and Alaska. He worked for William C. Pahl Company for over 40 years, starting as a construction laborer on the Onondaga War Memorial building in 1950. He was quickly promoted and served as Construction Superintendent on many notable local projects including the Atrium building on Clinton Square, the Sibley’s building, the Jefferson-Clinton apartment complex, Dryden High School, Tully High School, the Schine Student Center at Syracuse University, Cascadilla Hall at Cornell University, and TR-21 testing facility at Carrier Corporation. He was the recipient of multiple American Concrete Institution awards for excellence in concrete design and construction, including one in 1982 for Sheldon Court on the Cornell University campus.

Ernie was a former Elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Syracuse, and a former member of the South Onondaga Methodist Church. He served on the Board of Education of Onondaga Central Schools, and was a member of the Valley American Legion and Camillus Elks Club. He was an avid golfer in the Onondaga Senior League at Orchard Vali golf course, and past member of the Potluck Nomads chapter of the National Campers and Hikers Association. Ernie was predeceased by his wife of over 50 years, Joan McLusky Lathrop in 2010, and by his brother Lloyd Lathrop and sister Shirley Madlin.

Surviving are his daughter, Lisa (Robert) Whitwell of South Onondaga, his son, Dr. E. Scott Lathrop of South Onondaga, grandchildren Derek (Sara) Whitwell and Corinne Whitwell (Rob Paxon), great-grandchildren Molly and Finn, sister Sally (Peter) Ranieri of Syracuse, and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the dedicated doctors, nurses and aides at Elderwood at Liverpool, who provided loving care for Ernie during his final days.

Private services were held for the immediate family, and a celebration of his life will be held in his memory once the Covid crisis has subsided. Ernest was laid to rest in Onondaga Valley Cemetery, Syracuse.

For those who would like to send a donation in his memory in lieu of flowers, his family asks that contributions be made to the Onondaga Central School Education Foundation, OCS District Office, 4466 South Onondaga Road, Nedrow, NY 13120 or the Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York chapter, 441 W. Kilpatrick St, Syracuse, NY 13204.

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