Thomas P. Latimer
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Thomas P. Latimer passed away on May 14 at age 97 after a brief illness in Clearwater, Florida.
He is survived by his wife Jacqueline Shaner Latimer; and daughters Carol Brabbee (Rick); Margaret Wolfe; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; devoted nieces; a nephew and a sister-in-law.
Tom was born in Wilmington, Delaware on April 9, 1924 to Thomas H. Latimer and Natalie Peabody Latimer. The Latimers spent summers on the Maine Coast, experiences that instilled in Tom a lifelong love of the water and the activities it provides. He enjoyed introducing his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to these pleasures when they visited.
Tom graduated from Worcester Academy in Massachusetts in 1942 and subsequently enrolled at Cornell University but his enlistment in the army during WWII interrupted his education. He served in active combat as a forward observer attached to the artillery in Germany and France, one of the most dangerous posts which forced him close to enemy lines. He received five bronze stars for his service.
His wartime experience was transformative in many ways cementing his view that war should always be a last resort. An avid reader of history?particularly military history?Tom was a lifelong student of armed conflict and politics.
After the war Tom returned to Cornell to complete his education and graduated with a B.S in Engineering in 1949.Upon graduation Tom took a job with Clark Brothers.in Olean where he met and married Jacqueline. One of Tom's favorite activities during those years was competitive sailboat racing on nearby Cuba Lake, as a member of the Cuba Lake Yacht Club.
Tom eventually became Group Vice President of Dresser Industries, which had been incorporated into Clark. In 1970, he moved to New York City to become CEO of Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company.
After retirement Tom and Jackie divided their time between homes in Bellport, New York, and Clearwater Beach, Florida, where they took great pleasure sharing these homes with family and friends.
In retirement, Tom was honored to serve for many years on the Board of the Logistics Management Institute (LMI), a nonprofit consulting organization to the government. He was a member of the Union League Club of New York and the Carlouel Yacht Club in Clearwater Beach, Florida.
Arrangements are being made by Moss Feaster Funeral Home in Clearwater, Florida, and Guenther Funeral Home in Portville, New York. A private service for the family will be held at a later date. Tom will be remembered for his generosity to his extended family and the communities where he lived. Contributions in Tom's name may be made to the Salvation Army or The Nature Conservancy.