Obituary of John L. Lathrop

John L Lathrop, 52, of Fayetteville, NY, died after a long, no holds barred, cage match battle with ALS. His diagnosis in 2009 gave him plenty of time to write this obit, which he did, so blame no one but the deceased. His immediate plan, post demise, was to go to heaven and give Lou Gehrig a great big sloppy kiss on the cheek. Born in Waverly, NY, he did time in Scranton, PA, before moving to the Syracuse area in 1998. He graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in 1980. He is survived by his wife Frances Cawley Lathrop, daughter Ann, son Jack, brother Rick (Catherine) of Elmira Heights, NY, sister Valerie McCarty (Mike), and his parents Jim and Sandy of Denver, NC. He was predeceased by his brother Rob. John deeply cherished Frances' siblings Kathleen Coughlin (Jeremy) of Fayetteville, NY, and John Cawley (Rachel Dunifon) of Ithaca, NY, and their families. Believe it or not John is also survived by his paternal grandparents who are bordering on ancient and live in Waverly, NY. John spent 30 years in the printing business from cutter to art director to sales, finally retiring from Canfield & Tack, Inc., Rochester, NY, in late 2011 as one of their top salespeople. He was their tallest, anyway. John spent the balance of his days painting in his studio and receiving friends like the Loh, Kelly, Ritchie, Shepardson, Coughlin, Cramer and Cawley families. John became an avid blogger after his diagnosis and his extended blather may be read at meatloafchronicle.tumblr.com. A lifelong artist, John leaves behind a legacy of paintings that no one ever seemed to want; subsequently, they were foisted upon family. He was a volunteer with the Fayetteville Fire Department and served as president of the Fayetteville Firemen's Association for two terms. He rode a Triumph America motorcycle and wore a size twelve boot. He was an ardent music lover from opera to heavy metal (opera 1, heavy metal 333). He was also a rapacious fan of the cinema and had seen "A Room with a View" and "Howard's End" once each. In sport he was a lifelong fan of the NY Football Giants and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He would like to thank the staff of Hospice (the Death Dealers) especially his nurses, Gary (RIP) and Melissa, and the hospice chaplain, Rev. Tanya. People wishing to experience a warm glow and a tax deduction can contribute to the ALS Research and Treatment Center at Upstate Medical University or the Hospice of Central New York. Family will receive friends Thursday, April 26, from 9-11 am at the Craftsman Inn, Fayetteville, NY. A brief service will follow at 11 am. Burial will be private at the Fayetteville Cemetery.