Aug. 2, 1918–Feb. 15, 2016
Born in Ludlow, MA, he was the oldest of six children. His parents, John and Josephine Lata moved the family to Erie, PA where he grew up. He worked at many jobs while a youth. At one of those jobs, he met his future wife, Rose Rawa. They married on September 4, 1939.
In 1945, during World War II, Louis was inducted into the U.S. Army, serving in Italy and Austria. He returned from the war with a foot and leg ailment that eventually forced the family in 1952 to move to the warmer climate in southern California.
Louis worked at various jobs including prototype machinist, motel manager, sole proprietor of an appliance business and plant general manager. They joined Our Lady Of Lourdes Parish, Tujunga. Louis became active in The Knights of Columbus, Council #4438, serving as Bingo Manager for many years, as well as holding several offices including Grand Knight. Louis was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in January, 2014. He passed away quietly and peacefully in his Sunland home and hopefully, he is teaching all those angels for whom he was waiting how to polka.
He leaves behind, Rose, his wife of 76 years, his son Jerome (Grace), daughter Darlene (Myron Ferdig), son Terrance (Celia), Grandson Jonathan Lata, Granddaughter Elizabeth Buell and two great-granddaughters Alyssa and Kamryn Buell, his brother Ted (Cheryl).
Louis was buried with military honors at Arlington National Veteran’s Cemetery in Riverside, California on March 4.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:
Alzheimer’s Assn, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or Lourdes Columbian Society, 10275 Tujunga Canyon Blvd., Tujunga, CA 91042.