Donald R. Lattin Jr.'s Obituary
With a broken heart I write that my only brother, Donald R. Lattin Jr. tragically passed away on October 17th 2013 at Deland Hospital of a sudden illness.
He is the beloved son of Sarah and Roy Rodriguez of Lake Helen FL., and of his father Donald R. Lattin Sr of upstate New York,. Also left behind, his sister LisaBeth Lattin residing in Ireland, ex wife Sobeida Lattin of Debary FL. best friend Shelly Colston of Orange City FL. and first love Lisa Padavan of Garrison N.Y.
Born November 18th 1962 in Poughkeepsie N.Y. Donnie moved with his family to Florida in 1978. The following year he joined the United States Navy and served aboard the USS Cushing from 1979-1982 as Gunner’s Mate.
After the navy Donnie settled in Orange City where he would eventually open his own successful plumbing business.
Donnie had a multitude of talents from excellent carpentry skills, creating many exquisite pieces of furniture, to a wickedly clever sense of humour . He always managed to make us laugh at the most inappropriate of times. Just a look was often enough to send us in to fits of laughter. His passion for music led him to sing for several local bands.
Aside from being clever, handsome, talented and extremely entertaining he was truly a Good Samaritan. Never did he declare himself to subscribe to any political or social ideology, he simply acted from the heart. Donnie’s door was always open to anyone in need of a roof over his or her head with out judgment. For Donnie it did not matter why one was down and out, simply that they were was enough. That can’t be said for most of us. Sadly many people took advantage of his generosity but he never let that interfere with his continuing kindness to others.
Humans were not the only benefactors of his kindness, he dearly loved all kinds of creatures, especially pot bellied pigs.
His own pot belly, Sunshine, was a temperamental, aggressive, little monster of a pig but he loved her with all his heart. With that in mind we ask that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Journey’s End Animal Sanctuary, P.O. Box 220163, Glenwood, FL. 32722-0163
Our hearts are broken. Losing Donnie is our greatest poverty and he will be missed, he will be mourned for the rest of our lives.
A memorial service is to be held Monday November 4th at 10:00am at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 359 W. New York Ave. Deland, A reception will follow in the church hall.
What’s your fondest memory of Donald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Donald?
Share a story where Donald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Donald you’ll never forget.
How did Donald make you smile?