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Joel Latman Obituary
Norwich - Joel H. Latman, a longtime and much beloved Montville educator, a retired teacher from Montville Public School System, passed away at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital on Tuesday evening, August 25, 2020. He was 76 years old.
Joel was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. After high school he went on to receive his bachelor's degree from Eastern Montana College now known as Montana State University in Billings Montana.
After college in 1968 Joel took a position for the US Defense Department Dendendent School in Goose Bay, Labrador as a Physical Education teacher. Joel found his passion and shortly after he found his way back to the north east and landed his career job as a high school teacher at Montville High School.
After relocating to Norwich Connecticut Joel met his wife Cheryl Hertz and went on to have three children.
Joel taught US History, Social Studies, American Law and Civics at Montville High School for over 35 years. Joel loved his role as an educator. Joel's goal as a teacher was to improve the lives of his students leave them with the knowledge to lead a more successful life. He was constantly remembered throughout the years by students and parents alike in the community.
Joel was a steadfast learner of American History whose passion went beyond his career but into areas of travel and baseball.
Joel survived by his three children Kenneth Latman, Jason Latman, his wife Julieanna Latman, and Karen Latman, along with his grandson Isaac. Joel also leaves behind three brothers Martin, Ted, and Eric.
Joel was laid to rest in a private ceremony held in New Jersey.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked a donation be made in his honor to Mental Health Awareness https://donate.nami.org/give/197406/#!/donation or MakeitOk.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joel Latman
Joel Frank
January 11, 2021
Joel and I grew up together on east 65th street in Brooklyn NY. We graduated PS 236 in June 1957 and Tilden HS in June 1961. He wanted to become a civil engineer. We lost contact after HS. I am saddened by his death.
Christine Cianci
December 8, 2020
I believe I had him for study hall when I was in high school from 84 to 88 . I think he was a cool person . Sending prayers to the family and all .. so sorry for your loss . Sending prayers your way., . Let God bring him better .
Daniel Dykes
December 6, 2020
When I was in Mr. Latman’s AP American History class at Montville High School almost twenty years ago, I was struck by two things that set him apart from all my previous history teachers, both of which I appreciated greatly.
First, Mr. Latman actually prepared and gave lectures on the eras and topics we covered in class, rather than presenting everything in the bite-sized chunks and simplifications common to most other history classes. He expected us to truly engage with the material at a high level, through both micro- and macro-historical lenses, via both primary and secondary sources. He discussed historiography and the polemical use of history with us, always emphasizing that history was not just a set of events, but an argument about how to interpret and explain those events, an argument that can never be set in stone once and for all.
Second, Mr. Latman was very clearly a man of great integrity and moral engagement, who felt a calling to improve the world both through his teaching and through civic action. I remember how thrilled and honored I felt when he asked me to be a volunteer at one of Montville’s polling locations during an election. Helping Mr. Latman and the other volunteers record and convey the final vote count at the firehouse that night made a strong impression on me; I could see in a very real way how the smooth functioning of our democracy required the participation and dedication of engaged citizens.
Mr. Latman was interested in the whole person, not just the history student. He told me on more than one occasion that I would make a good lawyer. The idea couldn’t have been further from my mind at the time, but Mr. Latman’s words floated in the background of my consciousness for years afterward and may have influenced my eventual decision to study and practice law.
My last (and very fond) specific memory of him was when he graciously attended my college graduation and graduation party, a commitment of many hours. I was very touched that he was willing to take the time to attend, and considered him a very eminent and much-beloved guest that day. It is a regret of mine that I don’t believe I ever got to discuss with Mr. Latman the impact he may have had on my career, and the impact he most certainly had on my life. Not even in my college courses, nor at Harvard Law School, can I say that I ever witnessed finer or more effective and engaged teaching. I am sure the work we did with primary sources in Mr. Latman’s class was instrumental in the prize I won in college for a maritime history paper, and I am not sure I ever discussed that with him either. May we all take greater time and effort to show our love and appreciation to people in our lives before we lose them.
Joe Teschendorf
November 14, 2020
Never had many teachers I liked when I was in High School but Mr Latman was the real deal. He was a teacher.
Carol
September 8, 2020
I'm so sorry for your loss. Joel was a Wonderful Teacher and friend.
Jim Carpenter
September 7, 2020
Mr. Latman had a lasting impact on me, despite my being a lousy student at the time. He was a tough, passionate, soulful teacher.
Tina Phillips, Montville High School Class of 1982
September 6, 2020
Sending prayers to the family and all of us who are affected by his home going. The impact he has made in the lives of myself and others he educated is immeasurable and an incredible legacy he has left behind. This legacy has a rippling affects which will be handed down to generations. Thank you Mr. Latman.
PATRICIA A LEMIEUX-LEWIS
September 5, 2020
Mr Latman made me realize that I could learn anything I put my mind to and in life, I could achieve any goal. His teaching, tough but flexible, encouraged his students to express everything they had learned in their own style and format. He was a truly amazing teacher. My condolences to the family. Rest peacefully Mr Latman.
Patti Lemieux-Lewis
Student
Brian E. Conklin
September 5, 2020
I did not have Mr. Latman as a teacher, yet he still inspired me. In fact, I speak of him often as I minister to teenagers and lead a Boy Scout Troop. He had a sign hanging above his classroom door in the hall at Montville High School. It said something to the effect, "Through these doors pass America's greatest resource, her children." That statement made such an indelible impact on my life and I share it with people all the time.
Nina Smith Dickinson
September 4, 2020
A wonderful teacher with an enduring legacy. My condolences.
Mary DeCoste
September 4, 2020
Rest in Heaven. Mr Latman was a teacher who made you want to learn. I thought of him often over the years. May God bless the Latman family.
Duane Henderson
September 4, 2020
My condolences to his family. Mr. Latman was a great teacher and will be missed.
Debbie Thomas Sajkowicz
September 4, 2020
Our sincere condolences to the Latman family. Mr. Latman was a dedicated teacher that made a difference in many lives. I have a lot of fond memories from his class. Rest easy, my friend and thank you.
Patricia Gualandi
September 4, 2020
Condolences to his wife and family. His knowledge of history and what we left his students will forever be remembered. RIP
Chris Pomroy
September 4, 2020
The world is less a very good man. His passion for teaching was second to no other teacher I ever had, and his impact is beyond measure. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. May sorrow and grief be replaced with peace and comfort at the thought of the honorable life he led, and the inspiration he provided to so many.
Roberta Bonita
September 3, 2020
Such a kind soul, caring for so many students, going way above the bar, Thank you for the lessons, Mr. Latman!
Howard Herman
September 3, 2020
Joel Latman was a great teacher, and also a great person. May he Rest In Peace
Bill Vice
September 3, 2020
Mr. Latman was my U.S. History teacher at MHS and he is a big reason why I have been teaching the same subject for 33 years. Thank you for sharing your passion and love of history Mr. Latman. I will always remember you. May you Rest In Peace.
Regina Bragdon
September 3, 2020
He looks the same but hair alittle lighter.. You will be missed
Alan Wilson
September 3, 2020
I had Mr Latman for a few classes while at MHS in the early 80’s. He was one of those teachers that I appreciated more in the years since. I’ve thought about him several times over the years as lessons he taught came back to benefit me in one way or another after wandering into the real world. A good man. Sorry to hear of his passing.
Mary (Reed) Guindon
September 3, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Mr. Latman was very passionate about teaching Social Studies. I remember that class very well. Rest easy Mr. Latman.
Christine Cianci
September 3, 2020
So sorry for the family and all . When I went to high school I had him for study hall .. I did like him ., R.I.P. at least now he will be in a better place . He will so much better ., he will be with God .
Michael Gualandi
September 3, 2020
Mr. Latman was one of the truly great teachers at MHS, he cared about all of his students. He loved History and took many of us to National History Day in Washingto DC. I was honored to have been asked by him to join a group my senior year, normally it was juniors that went but he asked me if i would participate with a group and i accepted. You will be missed but know that you made an impact on many of us and taught us to love History.
John Duca
September 3, 2020
Many Thanks from Many, History knowledge was impressive, love of learning and challenging kids to excel exceptional, and his trips to Washington DC Amazing. MHS had an exceptional History and Government Team with Mr Latman and Mr Sherman. Fortunate to see Mr. L at NFA substitute teaching while my kids were there. Great conversations about History, Politics, and he had a keen interest in Criminal Justice, the Parole Board and State Government. Many Thanks Sir
Jeff Weir
September 3, 2020
I was one of the thousands of MHS students taught by Mr. Latman. He was a tough but fair educator, who refused to treat us like children, but rather young men and women. I remember his History classes fondly, and I can truly say he prepared me for college more so than any other teacher I had. Passionate educators like Joel Latman are few and far between, but their legacy is lasting. Rest in paradise, Mr. Latman.
- an eternally grateful student
Dori Manville
September 3, 2020
Mr. Latman was my freshman social studies teacher. It was his first day at High School in Montville. He had a different accent and a different appearance than everyone else. He was a tender Spirit who loved to teach and I enjoyed learning from him he was a wonderful man I have many wonderful memories of him.
Regina Tate
September 3, 2020
Sorry to hear of Joel's passing. He was a colleague when I taught at Montville High. I also appreciated his support when I was an 8th grade TMMS teacher in Norwich. Great family man and great educator. May his memory be a blessing to his family.
Regina Tate
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