Donald R. Latina
1937 – 2021
Donald “Don” Latina, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend, peacefully transitioned from this life into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father, in his home on the morning of Wednesday, July 28, 2021. The youngest of six children, Don was born on July 31, 1937 in Rochester, New York to Joseph and Mary Josephine Latina, who had emigrated from Madeira, Portugal. On June 13, 1987, Don married the love of his life, Melanie J. Panek, in Buffalo, New York. They settled in Glen Allen, Virginia.
Don was a veteran of the transportation industry where he was admired by all. He began his career with The Tobin Packing Co., and later worked for Empire Trailways in Rochester, New York. He proudly retired from Don’s Trucking in Richmond, Virginia after 50 years behind the wheel.
Don was regarded by all who knew him as a dedicated and loving father to his six children. He was a lifelong sports fan of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres. He enjoyed telling jokes, bowling, golfing, attending live sporting events, and spending time with his family.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Josephine (Vieira) Latina; brothers Joe, Frank, and Tony Latina; and his sisters, Mary Latina (Slye) and Paula Latina (Martone). Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of thirty-four years, Melanie J. Latina; his children, Mary Ann (William) Kramer, Donald R. Latina, Jr., Timothy (Dawn) Latina, James (Jennifer) Latina, Melanie D. (Justin Byerly) Latina, and David (Maria Vottero) Latina; his grandchildren, Heather (Steve) Smyrski, Erik Kramer, Timothy Latina, Jr., Bryce Latina, and Jason Latina; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will hold a private celebration of Don’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don’s name to the sender’s charity of choice.
I going to miss you my friend. RIP
Rest In Peace, my beloved godfather. Prayers and condolences to the Latina family; may God’s angels surround you.
My condolences to you and your family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Melanie, we were saddened to hear of the passing of your father. Also, please give our sympathy to your mother and siblings. Bob has many pleasant memories of his uncle especially driving around with him in his Tobin truck. Again, our deepest sympathy. Bob & Shirley Slye.
My deepest condolences to the Latina family. RIP big Don.
So sorry for your loss. I will always remember my uncle as the practical jokester. He loved to joke around with everyone. I remember him driving for Tobin and trailways. Everyone loved him. I loved it when he would call me his favorite niece because I was the only girl for 15 years.(had no choice (lol).then we would laugh. He raised a beautiful family and he will be truly missed.I love you uncle Don. Say hi to all the family that’s up in heaven with you. Your niece Sharon(favorite)
Thoughts and prayers to the Latina family.
Don will be sorely missed but NEVER forgotten.
Can’t imagine a golf trip without Big Don’s story telling.
The best stories I’ve ever heard and the best I’ve ever told are Don Latina stories. RIP Don
I will always remember Don with a twinkle in his eye and a zest for life and adventure! Also for taking care of my good friend Melanie!!Many memories Don and may you rest in piece! El
Lots of great memories with this wonderful man! His Bkess your soul my friend. I look forward to our Joe Name It poker game when I see you on the other side!
My condolences to the family. Don and I were driving buddies. RIP my friend, you shall be missed.
Rick Steinas
Melanie & Jim,
My deepest condolences to your entire family, and especially to Don’s loving wife, Melanie. What a great picture! Don was a vigorous, handsome man. And Jim is the spitting image of his pops. Rest in peace Don…
I am going to missed all the morning we spent together, thank you for loving me n the kids as your own..
Don; you immediately welcomed me to our cul-de-sac as an excited neighbor and friend. I am sorry we didn’t have an opportunity to enjoy our drink together like we talked about. I will forever cherish our few conversations that always ended with your open ended invitation to sit on the porch. You are my friend and I will one day be able to sit with you and enjoy whatever we choose. Rest well, rest peacefully, know that you made a difference in my life.
Don was a warm, genuine, loving, engaging, and kind human being. who always made others feel appreciated, respected, and loved. When he first entered our family it seemed to me that he always belonged there, that he always was there, and that he always should be there. All of us shared many holidays, meals, and good times together, and it is sad to realize that Don is no longer able to enjoy those things with us. However, I am a better person for having known him and will live in such a way that honors his legacy. I miss you Don.
God Bless you and your family, we enjoyed knowing you and being a neighbor for fifteen years, may your days be filled with love and laughter. We still miss you and think of you often. love your old neighbors.
Love and miss you as our neighbors, be safe and take care, the Herbert’s
God Bless him, we miss our neighbors and think of them often, so glad we had the pleasure of knowing them. We really enjoyed watching Mel and David grow up, they are so sweet and we talk about how polite and friendly they are. Love and miss you guys.