William Stephen Latch

Latch, William Stephen CHICOPEE William Stephen Latch, 66, passed away after a long illness on July 24, 2009. He had bravely fought a tough battle. He was born September 15, 1942 to William Frederick and Mary Ann (Weichold) Latch in Troy, N.Y. He is survived by his life companion, Katherine Was; a sister, Linda Lambert, a niece, Melissa Guzman, a nephew, David Scaringe, two grandnieces, Haley and Alyssa Guzman; two uncles, Donald and Ronald Weichold; and many cousins. Bill grew up in Schodack Landing, N.Y. He attended Maple Hill High School in Castleton-on-Hudson, N.Y. where he won the contest to name the new high school. He graduated from the Milne School with a NYS Regents diploma. Bill attended Springfield College, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a BS in political science. He was a substitute teacher for the Springfield School System for many years. He had a band with a few of his good buddies and Bill was the drummer. Bill was a forward thinking entrepreneur. He owned several businesses including CHANGES in downtown Springfield, Mass., Hartford, Conn. and at Cape Cod in the 60s and 70s. Most recently, Bill was known at both Agawam's Suffield St. and Holyoke, Mass. flea markets as "Mr. Bill". "Mr. Bill" was known by hundreds as the man to go to for that special collectible hot wheel or matchbox. Of Bill's many passions in life, car racing, reading science fiction, watching movies and fishing were his favorites. Bill had a brilliant mind, a great sense of humor, and a cackle of a laugh. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.