Robert Lato Jr.

Robert Lato Jr

Robert "Bobby" Lato Jr, born in New Canaan on August 17, 1936, died Tuesday, Oct 1 He resided in Orange Park, Fla

Growing up in New Canaan, Mr Lato found his love for sports Not only did he play baseball and basketball he managed both He worked at The Conn's Potato Chips and Stew Leonard Dairy in Norwalk

He graduated from New Canaan High School in 1956, where he was also known as "Louie Lunch" His father owned a liquor store in the Morse Court parking lot called Bob's Liquor He worked for his father from 1959 to 1962 During that time, they sponsored a baseball team called New Canaan Townies In 1961, the team played in the Stamford Independent League, where they won the championship and many classmates played on the team

On Oct 1, 1978, Mr Lato married Debbie Maroney, who survives him Also surviving Mr Lato are his daughter Michelle and his son Patrick Mr Lato's son Stephen predeceased him

His son, Stephen, became the youngest boy at age 9 to deliver papers for the New Canaan Advertiser The Lato family tradition of delivering the Advertiser has left the family with many unforgettable stories,they said In 1983, he and his family moved to Norfolk, Va He found a delivery route in Norfolk, where his family spent many weekends and were able to carry out their traditions from New Canaan He worked for Wise Potato Chips and transferred to Orange Park, Fla, where he eventually retired

He was the most devoted fan to the Yankees and the New York Football Giants, family said Just two years after graduating high school, he became a season ticket holder of six for the Giants from 1958 to 2010, when the stadium changed He shared these seats and games with his wife, his in-laws, the Maroney's, the Maguire's, brother-in-law, Jack, and friends During the 50s, he became a season ticket holder for the New York Yankees, where he taunted many umpires and Red Sox fans, family said

Mr Lato had always worked the 4 am shift so he was able to attend games with his sons, Stephen and Patrick He never missed a practice or game He and his son, Patrick continued his love for the Yankees and Giants in Florida They always wore their team jerseys every game day, his family said, and he has always proud and loved bragging about his boys and grandchildren

He has two daughters-in-law, Summer and Elise, seven grandchildren, Savannah, Alexis, Spencer, Emma, Shane, Briana, and Robin, and a great grandson Brennan - all spoiled and dearly loved by him

He was able to attend his 50th and 55th New Canaan High School reunions, where he was able to reminisce with his classmates, family said Even though he moved from New Canaan 29 years ago, he never left He loved New Canaan - it was his home -  and all the way in Florida, he always read his New Canaan Advertiser weekly He and his wife Debbie, celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary, on Oct 1, 2013

Mr Lato's viewing will be held on Sunday, Oct, 6, at Holly Hill Funeral Home in Middleburg, Fla His funeral was held at St Lukes Catholic Church in Middleburg on Monday, Oct 7, at 11 Per his wishes, memorial donations can be made in his name to the foundation, Dreams Come True of Jacksonville (6803 South Point Parkway Jacksonville, FL 32216)

To leave a note to the family or a memory of Mr Lato, visit Holly Hill's website, hollyhillfuneralhomecom

- The Family