Ret. Colonel Richard Kent Latshaw

Richard Kent Latshaw, 96, of Emsworth, Pennsylvania, passed away on April, 15, 2024 surrounded by his family. Richard, fondly known as Jack, was born to Richard Kelly and Eunice Weidner Latshaw, on July 10, 1927, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Jack graduated from Avonworth High School in 1945. Jack loved his country, having enlisted in the Army at the age of 17, serving his first tour of duty in Germany during WWII. He then attended the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Pharmacy from 1947-1950. Upon his father’s death, Jack owned and operated, Latshaw Pharmacy working as a pharmacist from 1955 to 1989. After closing the family business, Jack worked as a pharmacy inspector for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania until 1997.

Jack’s military career spanned over 45 years, retiring in 1991 as a Colonel. He served in various capacities in WWII, the Korean Conflict (serving in Germany), Vietnam (stateside), Desert Shield and Desert Storm stateside at the Army War College at Carlisle Barracks in Pennsylvania.

Aside from his love for his county, he loved his hometown of Emsworth, where he was elected Mayor in 1969 and served for one term.

Jack held many titles in his life, from soldier to pharmacist, to husband, father and grandfather. In his spare time, he enjoyed traveling, visiting his children and grandchildren and watching the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was a proud 32nd Degree Mason of The Avalon Masonic Lodge #657 and a member of the Scottish Rite. Jack was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 2754 in Westview

Jack is survived by his wife of 60 years, Patricia (Maguire) and four children, Rich (Peggy) Latshaw of Lewis Center, Ohio, Kelly (Ryan) Rider of Simpsonville, SC, Kim Delaney of Jacksonville, FL, and Kris (Tom) Swift of St. Augustine, FL. He is also survived by his grandchildren Tyler (Delaney) Rider, Colton Delaney, Evan Rider, Kaylee Latshaw, Madison Delaney, Brady Rider, Ashlyn Rider, Hannah Latshaw, Brandon Mum, Peyton Rider, Wyatt Delaney, Benjamin Mum and Kiernan Latshaw.

Jack was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Eunice, his sister Eunice (John) Ross, and half brothers Richard (Frederica) and Ray Latshaw.

He was known by many for his infectious laugh, being young at heart, and he never met a stranger. He instilled in his children the love of country, integrity and the value of hard work.

Those wishing to visit and bid him farewell are welcome to visit H.P. Brandt Funeral Home, 1032 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh on April 28, 2024 from 4-8pm. A service will be held at 11:00am on April 29 at the funeral home chapel with The Rev Dr. Jean Henderson officiating, followed by a procession to his final resting place at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies with full military honors with Chaplin Jeremy Caskey officiating.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Masonic Children's Home for children from broken homes needing a safe home, medical care, tutoring or education from 5 years to 18 years old. In loving memory of Richard Kent Latshaw https://masonicchildrenshome.org/