Philip "Phil" Latterell

Philip "Phil" Latterell Died peacefully at his home in Palo Alto, CA, surrounded by his family on Friday, February 3, 2006. His battle with pancreatic cancer was a short four week and devastating to his family and friends. Just like the true U.S. Marine that he was, he fought with all his might. The beloved husband of Cathy Latterell for 55 years. He was the cherished father of Clark Latterell (his wife, Jana Yohanan-Latterell), and Gail Latterell-Pruitt (her husband, Dave Pruitt); and adored "Papa" of Dana, Lauren Latterell, Jesse and John Latterell and David Pruitt. Dear brother of Bernard Latterell (his wife, Jesse) of Minnesota, Rita Gannon of Colorado, Eileen von Edskuty of Minnesota and to the late Vernon, Adrian and Father Glenn Latterell. A special brother-in-law to Lois Latterell of Michigan and a beloved uncle and cousin to many. Phil leaves many devoted friends, Shell Oil buddies throughout the United States, real estate associates, his companions Hamlet, Leo and Felix, and especially his neighbors on Dana Avenue who recall Phil had a joke for every occasion. A native of Foley, MN, the youngest of seven, Phil was born August 3, 1925 to the late Paul and Abigail Latterell. At the age of 17 Phil entered the US Marine Corps after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. As a corporal in the 2nd Division, he was sent to the South Pacific where he fought in the Marianas - Saipan and Tinian Islands. Phil was wounded in action and received the Purple Heart and after recuperating he participated in action at Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands. He was sent to Nagasaki and Hiroshima with occupation troops and at the age of 19, returned to the US where he received his honorable discharge from the US Marine Corps. Phil began his 30 year career with Shell Oil Company in San Francisco while at the same time graduating from Golden Gate University. Phil met Cathy Franklin and after a six month courtship they were married at Star of The Sea Catholic Church in San Francisco. Phil covered the East Bay as a member of the Shell Oil Marketing Group of Northern California. He and Cathy resided in San Francisco, Oakland, Orinda and Fremont before relocating to Carmichael, CA with their son, Clark, and daughter, Gail. In 1970 Phil was transferred to Shell Oil in Menlo Park and they moved into their home in Palo Alto where they have lived for 36 years. At the age of 50, Phil retired from Shell and began a career as a real estate broker and property manager in the Palo Alto area. He belonged to the American Petroleum Institute, California Trucking Association, Southern Alameda Trade Club, Hayward Trade Club, Lions Club, Hayward Chamber of Commerce, a card carrying member of the GOP, Palo Alto Board of Realtors and St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, Palo Alto. The family wishes to thank Pathway Hospice and the physicians at Kaiser Permanente Foundation, Redwood City, CA as well as the eucharistic ministers and priests of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish as well as the many expressions of love and support to the family. Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass on Sat., Feb. 18, 2006, 11:00 AM at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, 1095 Channing Ave., Palo Alto followed by a reception at the same location. Contributions and gifts may be made to Pathways Hospice, Peninsula-South Bay Office, 585 N. Mary Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94085, American Cancer Society or your favorite charity.