Richard Joseph
Latsko, 87
DOVER, DE - Richard Joseph Latsko passed away Friday, March 15, 2024 at Kent General Hospital surrounded by family. He was born on August 6, 1936 in Davistown, PA to the late Helen and Coleman Latsko, the oldest of two children.
He graduated from Pt. Marion High School in PA in 1954 and from California University of Penn in 1960 with a B.S. in history. He received an M.A. in political science from The University of DE in 1970. While working, he continued his graduate studies attending Holy Cross University, American University, Western Michigan University and Salisbury State University.
He began his teaching career in 1960 at the Hawthorne School in Lorain, OH outside of Cleveland. After teaching in Loraine for several years, he was hired by the Smyrna School District and taught American Government at Smyrna High School and was the Chairman of the school's Social Studies Dept. He began his 30 year teaching career at Dover High School in 1968 and retired from the Capital School District in 1998. He also taught political science part-time at the University of Delaware from 1988 through 2000. Mr. Latsko loved teaching and encouraged independent thinking in his students.
He was the owner/director of a professional social organization called the Center for Social Research.
Mr. Latsko was an avid reader and enjoyed reading about JFK. He was a loyal Pittsburgh fan-Steelers, Pirates and the Penguins.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Patricia; his children, Jeanne R. of Magnolia, DE, Richard Jr. of Phoenix, AZ, Angela L. of Dover, DE; his sister, Patricia of Bobtown, PA; and his pal, Sasha, the Siberian Husky.
Friends may call at Michael J. Ambruso Funeral Home on Friday, March 22nd between 10:30 and 11:30 am. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at noon at Holy Cross Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the S.P.C.A/First State Animal Center at 32 Shelter Circle, Camden, DE 19934.
Condolences can be shared via www.ambruso.com