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Stephen Lato Obituary

LATO Stephen J. Lato, 33 passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, October 30, 2008. He had courageously battled cancer for a year while remaining a loving husband, father, son and brother. He was a graduate of Middleburg High School, and has spent the last five years working for the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office as a corrections officer. Stephen leaves behind his wife of 11 years, Summer, 3 children, Savannah, Spencer and Shane. He is also survived by his parents Bobby and Debbie Lato, a brother Patrick, his wife Elise, 2 nieces Alexis and Emma; and many other extended family members and friends. Family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 4, 6-8 PM at HOLLY HILL FUNERAL HOME, 3601 Old Jennings Road, Middleburg. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 5, 11:30 AM at St. Luke's Catholic Church, 1606 Blanding Blvd, Middleburg with Father Edward Rooney officiating. Burial will follow in Holly Hill Memorial Park. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com

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Published by Florida Times-Union from Nov. 1 to Nov. 2, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Lato

Not sure what to say?





TAMMY,ROB,DRAKE&DESTINY SHIRLEY

December 5, 2008

DEBBIE AND FAMILY,
WE ARE SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR WONDERFUL SON. WE REMEMBER HIS AMBITION AND HIS DRIVE TO SUCEED IN LIFE. THANKFULLY HE LEFT BEHIND 3 BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN TO CARRY ON A PART OF HIM. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH HIS FAMILY. GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND REMEMBER, WE WILL ALL BE TOGETHER IN THE END. LOVE YOU.

Sonya Cervantes (Boone)

December 3, 2008

Stephen was a great friend to me during the years of my life that helped make me who I am today. I was crushed to hear that he was gone, and that I had not been able to say goodbye. I will always remember the things he said and a few if the dances he did. (Those who attended MHS know what I am talking about.)

Thank you Stephen. we will always have Duran Duran.

Jane & Marty Knight

December 1, 2008

Debbie & Bobby
Our prayers are with you now and always. Bless you all.
Love ya lots
Marty, Jane & Melanie

Kristi Sargent

November 15, 2008

Deb and Bobby,
I am so sorry for your loss of Stephen. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during these tough times. He will be greatly missed by all. With love always, Kristi

Cathie & Kristi Sargent

November 15, 2008

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008

Cathie Sargent

November 15, 2008

Debbie, you have always been
One of the best friends I have had for the past 33 yrs Stephen was a part of me and I have great memories of our family's from Connecticut to Virginia right down to Florida. Your a super Mom and have nursed Stephen from Birth till his last breath and always put his needs above your own as you do with everyone.You should be very proud of the wonderful son you raised. He was your comic relief and you have 33 yrs of great memories, In the midst of this Very hard time Let those memories help you smile as Stephen would have wanted.
The Road to Recovery is slow but may your path be easier just by knowing that god is watching over you while your friends and family stand beside you, Caring and concerned, Together we stand forces for you, praying your recovery will be complete and full.

Leslie Reinhart-Chaffin

November 10, 2008

You will be missed Stephen.

Michelle Brazzell Collins

November 10, 2008

To Stephen Lato and family:

I am so sorry...you are gone way too soon. I know you will be greatly missed by everyone whose life you touched. I remember you as the funny guy no one could ever forget, and the cheerleader! You were a friend to everyone, regardless of race or social status. I wish we hadn't lost touch after High School.

The world will be a less interesting and a less fun place with you gone. We will miss you Stephen....you were taken way too soon. Be at peace and we will see you again one day.

To Stephen's close friends and family, I am so sorry for your loss. May God bring you comfort and peace in your time of mourning. Everyone who met Stephen is better for having done so.

God bless you

D J K Moore

November 10, 2008

You're all in our thoughts and prayers

Denise, Jeff & Kelley

Debi Bailey

November 8, 2008

Steve, words could never express the void that is left without you. Even as bad as you were feeling, you never lost that goofball sense of humor! We're all in pain, but we know your pain is gone now. I know God will assign you to comfort (and cheer up) all the newcomers into Heaven. It's what you've always done BEST! Love and strength to your whole family.
Your friend & co-worker,

Russell Mercier

November 8, 2008

I am very grateful that Steve and I were best friends for the last 14 years. I couldn't of asked for a better friend. There are so many things that he did that didn't make sense like playing loud country music from your low rider, or some of the stories you told :). However, there were SO many things you did that made total sense and thats because you were a wonderful person. I have a huge void in my life now that your not physically here.
We'll see each other again my friend.

barbara perry

November 6, 2008

You will always live in our hearts and prayers.

Buffy Simpson (LABCORP)

November 6, 2008

Oh Stephen, I am so crushed that you are gone. You became family with us at Labcorp. Under the unfortunate circumstances that we had to see each other all the time, you grew on us all. We have been so concerned about you. The last time I talked to you, you were so happy your kids got to go to Disney World. I will miss our talks about life and the babies. I am so so sorry I missed your services. I didn't know until today. :( Know our thoughts and prayers were with you all the way. My heartfelt sympathy is with your family at this time. Please know how much of an impact your Son, Husband, Family, Friend and Co-worker had on us.

Gary Laughlin

November 5, 2008

Lato, It was a great pleasure to have worked with you. You were one of the best Officers that the Sheriffs Office had, I wish that there were more people in this world like you. You will be deeply missed by all.
Rest in peace.

Chris Lombardozzi

November 5, 2008

Lato was a great guy. We had a lot of fun together at the jail, especially during his field training. He was a very hard working, and dedicated person.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Lato family.

Cindy Jastremski

November 5, 2008

Bobby and Debbie, there are no words that ease your pain but know that you are truly in my thoughts and prayers each day. Stephen was a special miracle child and a loving and thoughtful son. I am here whenever you need a shoulder or just a friend to talk to.

Christina Dobbs

November 4, 2008

I can't help but to think back to standing in the parking lot after work with Lato and many other Correction Officers. Oh, the conversations that took place. Times like those will never be forgotten.
Lato was a kind and caring person that would always be there for you in your time of need. His memory will forever stay true to those that had a chance to call him a friend and a brother in Law Enforcement.
Lato will be missed greatly.

Gaston Carlton

November 4, 2008

I am always at a loss for words at times like this. Stephen was one of the good ones. He will be missed more than words can express. My heartfelt condolences ...

C. Clark

November 4, 2008

If there is light in the soul, there will be beauty in the person... Officer Lato was that person. May your spirit live on. You will be missed by many. Your extended family in Corrections

Krishna Brockington

November 4, 2008

Lato thank you for making me laugh while I worked at the jail. You were one of my favorite officers, M-2 clinic was a lot of fun when you became a pod officer. I think back to one night you were doing a med pass with me on the floor and I became very sick, I told you I was not feeling good and what was about to happen. I remember you saying, I got you, it's ok. You took care of me and didn't let me fall. I left the jail in September 2006 but you were one of the officers that I missed. Working for JSO was like being a part of a family. You are now safe in the arms of the Lord. Rest In Peace my friend.

Andrea Williamson

November 3, 2008

Pat & Elise, Sorry to hear of your family's loss. No words can be found to explain the sorrow that your family is feeling. Lean on God in this time of need and know he will carry you. I will keep everyone in my prayers.
I love you both.
Andrea

Leigh

November 3, 2008

Pat-I am thinking of you and praying for you to have strength through this time. If you need a shoulder, I am here my friend.

Mark Maertz

November 3, 2008

You will be greatly missed by me and the entire Law Enforcement community Lato. We had some good times working together. My heart goes out to you and your family. BC-903

Sandy Maroney

November 2, 2008

Stephen it seems like just yesterday when you were just a little bundle of joy! You have grown into a wonderful son, brother, husband and daddy all of which I am so very proud of. You will be missed dearly from your family in Connecticut, especially me, your Aunt Sandy. Summer & family, Bob, Debbie and Patrick - although I can not be with you at this time, be at peace to know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Josh

November 2, 2008

Steve you will be and already are missed. We STILL hold the record at Sun Tire for the fastest 4 tires on and off a truck from the old days nobody can touch that, I just saw the trophy yesterday and dusted it off. Good times with a good friend, you are missed bro. My prayers are with Summer,the kids, and your family.

Melissa Robles (aka Graham)

November 2, 2008

I knew Stephen in highschool. We were aquintances (had mutual friends too). He was so friendly and had an amazing spirit. I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers and thoughts.

Sgt. Donnell Widemond

November 2, 2008

Officer Lato was more than a good Officer, he was also a good friend.

Michelle Bing

November 2, 2008

I didn't know Stephen very long, he was a part of the JSO family and I just wanted to express my condolences and sympathy for the family that he leaves behind.

Michelle Fletcher

November 2, 2008

Lato I just don't know what to a say. I just wish you could have stayed so that I could have seen you make Sgt. You took great proud in your work. It was an honor to have worked with you. You will be truly missed at the PTDF in the M-2 clinic. To the family my prayers will forever be with you. Love your Sister in JSO

Michelle Fletcher

November 2, 2008

Lato I just don't know what to a say. I just wish you could have stayed so that I could have seen you make Sgt. You took great proud in your work. It was an honor to have worked with you. You will be truly missed at the PTDF in the M-2 clinic. To the family my prays will forever be with you. Love your Sister in JSO

Robert & Shelly Booker

November 2, 2008

Dear lato family,
Although it has been many years since we have seen Steve we have many fond memories of him. We are fellow graduates of Middleburg and both my husband and myself friends of steve. We would like to wish peace to his family. You will be in our thoughts.

Chrissy Rindfleisch

November 2, 2008

Officer Lato was an amazing friend and co worker while I worked with him at the Jail. He was one person I could depend on no matter what, whether it be to get the job done or just to be there to listen when I had a bad day. Being a Nurse working there I had seen some good, some ok, but he was definetely one of the best officers I had ever worked with. I quit there in March 2007, but a few always remained in my thoughts and prayers, he being one of them. He always talked and bragged about his wonderful and beautiful wife and children who he was so proud of. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time and my heart goes out to you!

P266

November 2, 2008

You will be missed, we had some good times at the jail....

Randy and Amy Wilkinson

November 1, 2008

Dear Summer, Savannah, Spencer, Shane, Debbie and Bobby,
We are praying for you all everyday. There are no words to say just how sorry we are. Love, The Wilkinson's

Cindy Victor

November 1, 2008

Summer, Savannah, Spencer, & Shane,
Lato was a wonderful friend and an excellent co-worker. My heart and prayers are with all of you. He will be deeply missed by many. May God bless you today and always.

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