Ronald C. Latz

Ronald C. Latz, Sr., 90, of Port Ewen, died Friday, February 26, 2010 at the Benedictine Hospital. He was born February 11, 1920 in Newark, NJ to the late Rodger Young (Wilhelm Latz) and Viola (Seaman) Latz.




He was the husband of the late Ruth Neal Latz who died on December 13, 1999. Mr. Latz was a veteran of the US Army. He served during World War II in the Army 630th Medical Corp, European Theater of Operations, his recognitions included: The American Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, European - Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, WW II Victory Medal, Army Of Occupation Medal and The Battle Of The Bulge Commemorative Medal.




Mr. Latz was a carpenter, cabinet maker, pattern maker and home remodeler. He had worked at Hurley Cabinet Company and Soper Cabinet Company; he had his own cabinet business in Port Ewen and later worked for Canfield Supply in Kingston installing cabinets. He last worked at Sanger Cabinets in Port Ewen.



He was a member of the Town of Esopus United Methodist Church, serving in many positions. He was also an active, life member of the Port Ewen Fire Department, serving in many capacities. He was recently recognized for his 60+ years of service as a volunteer firefighter.



He was an active member of the Girl Scouts and the Boy Scouts of America;. He served as Cubmaster of Pack 26 and as Scoutmaster of Troop 26 in Port Ewen. He served on the Rip Van Winkle Council as a Neighborhood Commissioner, District Commissioner and Council Commissioner. His Boy Scouting citations and recognitions included: Scout Training Award , Scoutmaster Key, Paul Bunyon, Commissioners Silver Arrow, Wood Badge, and Silver Beaver . He was a member of the Order of the Arrow, Scouting's National Honor Society and the highest recognition, that of Vigil Member. He also volunteered as a carpenter at Boy Scout Camp Tri - Mount in East Jewett and Girl Scout Camp Wendy in Wallkill.

He enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting and bowling. He enjoyed the North Lake Campgrounds, trips to the Thousand Islands and in the 70's and 80's he was a member of the Hudson Valley Coachman Caravan Chapter #148. Most recently he enjoyed camping in the Gilboa area.




Mr. Latz is survived by his children Mary Ann Persell, Melbourne, FL; Susan L. Dolce, Port Ewen, NY; Rhonda R. Latz, Schenectady, NY; and Ronald C. "Skip" Latz Jr., New Milford, PA; 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Brother of the late Vera Lukas ,William F. Latz and Frederick L. Latz.




Entrusted to the care of the Keyser Funeral Service, Inc., 216 Broadway, Port Ewen. Friends may call on Friday from 2- 4 & 7 - 9. The service will be at the Town of Esopus United Methodist Church on Saturday at 1:00 PM. The service will be led by the Rev. Dora Oderanko and by Rev. Dr. David M. Brechter. Burial in Maplewood Cemetery, East Jewett in the spring. Military honors will be provided by Joyce Schirick Post #1386 VFW.




The family suggests in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to Boy Scouts of America, Rip Van Winkle Council, Troop 26, 41 -45 Pine St., Kingston, NY 12401 or Town Of Esopus United Methodist Church, PO Box 699, Port Ewen, NY 12466. Light a candle in memory of Ron at www.KeyserFuneralService.com .