Lewis Lester Latas, Jr.

Lewis L. Latas, Jr., 77, of New Kensington, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 18, 2025, after a year long battle with cancer.

He was born February 29, 1948 in New Kensington to the late Lewis Sr., and Anne Glebovich Latas and was a 1966 graduate of Ken-Hi, and then received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Robert Morris College. 

Mr. Latas was a manager for the former King’s Jewelry Store in Indiana.  

He shared a love, with his family, for cooking, sports, wildlife and all things silly.  He will forever be remembered as a silly goofball and loving grandpa to Rachael’s dog, Ginger.  He has forever instilled his business savvy, sense of humor, compassion for animals and passion for politics in us. He played sports and fished with his daughters when they were children, and they talked Pittsburgh sports as adults.  His love of old TV shows like the “Honeymooners,” and “I Love Lucy” will forever live in our hearts. His love of Ginger will be one of our favorite remembrances despite the secret treats and her few extra pounds after a visit to grandpa’s house.  Growing older and having our relationship blossom will forever be one of our dearest memories.  Thank you, dad, for being proud of us and making us the people we are today.  He also enjoyed golfing, birdwatching, gardening, cooking, old classic movies, and jazz music.  

Surviving are his two daughters Jessica Latas Gust of Napierville, IL, and Rachael P. Latas of Squirrel Hill, two grandchildren, Alex and Sienna Gust; and step-daughter Faye Townsend of Mt. Joy.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Bruce G. Latas.

Viewing will be on Thursday, August 28, from 5-8PM in ROSS G. WALKER FUNERAL HOME LTD., 217 Freeport Road, New Kensington, where a service will held Friday at 11AM, by Rev. Dean Ward. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Lower Burrell.

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