Name: Visitation for David Alexander Lathrop
Start: 2024-01-08T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-01-09T01:00:00.000Z
Location: Lillis Funeral Home

David Alexander Lathrop
On Thursday, January 4, David Alexander Lathrop, a beloved husband, father, and "pop-pop" passed away after a brief illness surrounded by his family.
Dave was born in New Milford, CT on March 21, 1949, son of Robert and Jane (Reynolds) Lathrop. He is survived by his spouse of 48 years, his beloved wife Bonnie (Hager) Lathrop, and their two children, daughter Michelle Klee and her husband Steve, of New Milford, CT and grandson Matthew; daughter Danielle Livingston and her husband Jason of Roxbury, CT and their two children Jacob and Peyton. He is also survived by his mother Jane Lathrop and sister Jacquline Lathrop of New Milford, CT. Dave was predeceased by his brother Mark Lathrop. In addition, he is survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Dave grew up in New Milford, the oldest of three siblings. He graduated from New Milford High school in New Milford, CT. From there he went on to work for the United States Postal Service, until he was offered his dream job as Fire Marshal for the Town of New Milford. He then went on to become a member of the IAFF Local 1739 where he had the honor of working for the Ridgefield Fire Department as Fire Marshal in Ridgefield, CT until his first retirement. With firefighter blood through and through he continued to fail retirement several times working as Fire Marshal in both Brookfield and up until the time of his death Sherman, CT.
Dave dedicated his life to family and the fire department. He was never happier than when he was surrounded by family or helping others. His true genuine nature was to give and help others, always quietly and never with the intention of receiving credit. Dave was always the first to offer a helping hand, sage advice, or a smile to everyone he met. Dave loved to travel with his wife Bonnie and valued every moment he spent with her. Whether it was traveling to Aruba, enjoying a quiet dinner out, or simply spending time with her and their pup "Kari", he loved her with all of his heart. He was never prouder than when he became "Pop-Pop" to Matthew, Jake, and Peyton. Always there to support their school events, cheer them on, and offer his support and love. His smile shined brightest, and his eyes twinkled with pride and joy when he would talk about each of them.
His lifetime dedication to the Water Witch Hose Company #2 speaks for itself. As a teen he would ride his bike to the firehouse upon hearing the sirens blaring, and that continued once he was old enough to become an official member. He could often be found surrounded by his "brothers" at the firehouse and valued those relationships. Dave dedicated many hours of service to Water Witch Hose Fire Company #2, the New Milford Area Fire Chiefs, and countless other fire organizations. Always offering a helping hand, meaningful advice, or guidance to those he worked and volunteered with.
Visitation is scheduled from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. on Monday, January 8th, at Lillis Funeral Home in New Milford. The funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. at Lillis Funeral Home 58 Bridge Street., New Milford on Tuesday, January 9th. A graveside service will follow at Center Cemetery in New Milford, CT. Donations may be made to: Water Witch Hose Company #2, 8 Prospect Hill Rd., New Milford, CT 06776.

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Published by Danbury News Times on Jan. 5, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for David Lathrop

Sponsored by Lillis Funeral Home.

23 Entries

Lynn Anobile

September 11, 2024

I am so sorry to hear that Dave passed away. I worked for him as his secretary in New Milford back in the 1990's. Dave always seemed happy. I remember when you and he came to visit my husband and I in Cape May, NJ. My prayers will include your family. God bless all of you.

Jim and Debra Waldorf

Planted Trees

Ellen Wilson

January 24, 2024

Bonnie, I am sorry to hear of Dave´s passing. His obituary is a testament to a life well lived.

Sandy Griesbach

January 14, 2024

Bonnie and family - my best to all of you at this time. My you regale each other with stories and fond memories , and may that love support and sustain you all. He was a good man who impacted many. His spirit will live on.

Richard Dingee

January 12, 2024

David was a friend and a professional with whom it was always wonderful to share time with him. He will be, truly, missed. Richard Dingee and Ann

Barbara Geneve

January 10, 2024

Bonnie and family,
So sorry to hear about Dave´s passing. My sympathy to all of you.
Barbara Geneve

Chip Neumann

January 9, 2024

I so wish I was in Connecticut this week to share my thoughts with the family. My heartfelt fond feelings of Dave. Just a wonderful wonderful person who was such a first class professional and caring guy. I am so sorry to you for his loss. God bless. Chip Neumann

Gail Puterbaugh

January 9, 2024

Such a truly nice man

MSL

January 9, 2024

I had the opportunity to work with Dave when he was the new Fire Marshal in New Milford in the early 80s. Dave was a dedicated professional who was passionate about the safety of the Town and its residents. Dave had a pragmatic personality and a very good sense of humor. He was a pleasure to be around. My condolences to his family as I was saddened to hear of his passing.

Kerry Schur

January 8, 2024

Thinking of you all at this difficult time and praying for your strength. Sending love too!

Mickie (Hogan) Fraser

January 7, 2024

To the Lathrop Family- My deepest sympathies on the loss of David. I graduated with him from NM High School. May you find peace in your memories and know his spirit will always be with you. Sleep peacefully, David.
Mickie (Maribeth Hogan) Fraser
Old Lyme, CT.

Family of John R and Mildred M Sember, Jr

January 7, 2024

Our sincerest condolences to the Lathrop Family. We will cherish the fond memories that began with our fathers and continues throughout our lives. May memories of David forever bring you peace.

Jim & Debra Waldorf

January 7, 2024

Bonnie and family we are so sad to hear that Dave passed. My favorite memory of both Dave and Mark is both of them flying by my home on Grove St from their home on Bostwick wherever the fire alarm sounded. No one peddled faster then they did and most of the time they would beat the firemen. Mr. Morey could hardly get the words out "watch for cars" and muttering "those boys". Jim said they were great working with him at the gas station on East St. Possibly their first job. Dave will be greatly missed. Sending you our love and support. Deb & Jim Waldorf

Alan & Debi Frederick

January 6, 2024

Lathrop Family,
So very sorry to hear of Dave's passing. Such a profound loss for the family. Cherish the memories and good times. You're in our thoughts and prayers.

Mary Jane Siskey Skrobacz

January 6, 2024

Deepest sympathies to the family from a former classmate.

Wally and Torsten

January 6, 2024

Dear Bonnie,
We're so sorry to hear from Steve...Losing a husband is an immense pain that words cannot fully express. May you find comfort in knowing that he will always be with you in spirit, guiding and watching over you.
Our deepest sympathy, Wally and Torsten

Michelle Peyron Scott & John Scott

January 6, 2024

To the Lathrop family,
We are so sorry for your loss. I've known the family since they lived on Bostwick Place and my family lived on Grove St. A perfect place to grow up. Sincere condolences.

Liz LaVia

January 6, 2024

So very very sorry for such a profound loss. We will miss Dave here in Sherman. He did so much for us and made many friends. Thank you Dave, for everything. Liz LaVia

Robert Baird

January 5, 2024

It was an honor to know you David, may you rest in peace. Robert Baird.

Bill Hipp

January 5, 2024

Bonnie and Family,
May the memories of so many years comfort you in this time of sorrow.He was a great friend

Norma and Stuart Hulbert

January 5, 2024

Dear Bonnie and family. So sorry to hear of Dave's passing. We send our love, hugs and prayers to all. God Bless.

Kathy Porter

January 5, 2024

Dear Bonnie and family,
So sorry to hear of Dave´s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kathy Porter

Chris Morey Kindilien

January 5, 2024

My sincere condolences to Bonnie and the Lathrop family. David was certainly an asset to the Water Witch Hose Co and the New Milford community. He will be missed by all who knew him. Rest in Peace Dave!

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