Obituary: David W. Lathlean, 53, of Stratford

STRATFORD, CT - (From Pistey Funeral Home) David W. Lathlean was born on April 14, 1967 in Bridgeport, CT.

God received one amazing Angel on March 29, 2021.

Dave, age 53, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

He is survived by his precious daughter, Emily; his fiancé Tracy Ropa; his mom, Dolores; his step-children, Lindsay, Kylie and Michael Lucifora; his brothers, Kenneth and Gary; his future mother-in-law and father-in-law, Kathy and Duke Ropa; future sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Chris and Rob Hughes and several nieces and nephews.

Dave was predeceased by his father, Harold, and his best friend, Jay Cuff.

Even when given the toughest diagnosis of his life, with Tracy’s loving care and support, Dave faced his cancer with the same passion and commitment that he had exhibited his entire adult life.

He fought long and hard throughout all of his treatments and, as a result, the doctors learned more about his disease, and can continue to help others live longer and better lives.

Dave packed a lot of living in his short time here on earth.

A lifelong Stratford resident, he has left behind countless heartbroken friends and family who adored him. Dave was many things to many people – but most of all he was an amazing dad, a true love and soulmate to Tracy, a devoted and caring son, an incredible step-dad and a fiercely loyal friend.

Dave loved his Harley, his Corvette, sitting poolside in the warm weather with Tracy and his family and friends listening only to Grateful Dead “live” tunes.

He loved anything chocolate, playing practical jokes and truly loved to laugh.

We would like to especially thank Dr. Bob T. Li of Memorial Sloan Kettering and Dr. Scott Gettinger of Smilow Cancer Center and Connecticut Hospice for their incredible care and support.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 DIRECTLY at St. James Church at 10:30 a.m., 2070 Main Street, Stratford.

A graveside service will follow at Mt. Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport. Friends may greet the family with a COVID safe walk through from 5 to 8 pm on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at Pistey Funeral Home, 2155 Main Street, Stratford.

Masks and social distancing are required. To honor Dave’s memory, those wishing to make a donation may do so to St. James Church, “Care of Our Father’s House”, 2070 Main Street, Stratford, CT or to Connecticut Hospice in Branford, CT.