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LATTANZA -- Roger C. Lattanza. Roger was born in Freedom, Pennsylvania May 11, 1924 to Justin and Mary Lattanza and passed away March 28, 2009 with his children at his side. He was married to his high school sweetheart Elizabeth J. Johnson, a marriage that lasted 60 years until her death in 2002. He became a resident of Albuquerque in 1950, when advised to move to a warmer, drier climate to improve his asthma. Roger was an Ensign in the Navy and a Navy Seal during WWII and worked in the Naval Intelligence Division. He then went on to graduate # 1 in his class at Villanova in 1943 with a degree in chemistry and mathematics. While working and raising his young family in New Mexico he earned an MBA in finance and completed his doctoral courses in business at the University of New Mexico (UNM). He was an officer of major construction materials-related firms in New Mexico before he became a full professor in the UNM Anderson Business School, including Blueher Lumber, Albuquerque Gravel Products and Colony Materials. One of his great accomplishments at UNM was being founder of the executive MBA program, where he taught classes to many of New Mexico's business leaders. Professor Lattanza also taught at the College of Santa Fe after retirement from UNM. He served as voluntary chairman of the board for St. Joseph's Hospital, was on the board of directors for the Home Builder's Association and was local chairman of the National conference of Christians and Jews in the 1970s. He was on the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America and a troop leader when his boys were growing up. He was a long time member and volunteer at the Aquinas Newman Center. Roger was preceded in death by his beloved wife Betty; and youngest son John. He is survived by his brother John F. and sister-in-law Betsy Lattanza of Lewisburg Pennsylvania, daughter Rebecca Lattanza Groves and his "favorite son in law" Jack Groves of Alameda, and two sons, Roger P. Lattanza of Albuquerque and Jeffrey N. Lattanza of Santa Fe. Other survivors include daughter-in-law Laura, nine granddaughters, one great-granddaughter and numerous nieces and nephews. Cremation and private family services have taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Saint Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place; Memphis, TN 38105. A public memorial will be announced in the future.
        Published on: Fri April 03, 2009