Mr. Laurence W. Lattizzori

Laurence W. "Larry" Lattizzori, 96, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2015, at Craneville Place, Dalton, where he resided for the past year. He was born in Pittsfield on June 20, 1919, a son of the late John L. and Alexandra M. (Markoff) Lattizzori, and attended Pittsfield schools, graduating from Pittsfield High School in June of 1937. He was a World War II Army veteran, serving in the Asiatic-Pacific theatre, including the Philippines, and participated in the post-war occupation of Japan, where he was General Douglas MacArthur's personal auto mechanic. He was employed by General Electric Co. for 38 years in the Power Transformer division, where he was a foreman, retiring in January of 1980. He was a member of the GE Quarter Century and Pensioner's Clubs, and the Crescent Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Pittsfield, for 71 years. Larry was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing and wildlife efforts his entire life. He was especially proud of an award presented to him by then Massachusetts Governor John Volpe in 1966 for his efforts in cleaning and protecting the southwest branch of the Housatonic River that ran by his property in Pittsfield. One of Larry's favorite days was April Fools Day, on which he took particular pleasure playing creative tricks on family members. Larry and his wife Cecelia enjoyed travel and over the years visited most of the states, including Alaska and Hawaii, as well as several trips to Europe, the British Isles, the Caribbean, and cruises including a riverboat down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to New Orleans. He leaves his wife of 75 years, the former Cecelia F. Mendel of Adams; a son, Dennis L. Lattizzori and his wife, Carol Ann (Furtek) Lattizzori of Pittsfield; a grandson, Anthony J. Lattizzori and his wife, Ellen S. (Urklinski) Lattizzori of Dalton; 2 Great Grandchildren, Victoria and Alexander; a brother, Richard A. Lattizzori and his wife, Denise, of San Diego, CA; a sister-in-law, Nellie Mendel of Adams; as well as several nieces and nephews. At the request of the family, services will be held at a later date. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St. Springfield, MA 01104. The PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, Adams, is in charge of arrangements. To leave a message of condolence, please go online to www.paciorekfuneral.com

Mr. Laurence W. Lattizzori

June 20, 1919 - December 15, 2015