Obituary of Ronald E. Lather

Dr. Ronald E. Lather Vernon-Dr. Ronald E. Lather, age 78, of Black Avenue West in Vernon, NY, passed away peacefully Thursday afternoon February 11, 2016, in the home of his son, with his loving family at his side. He was born on Nov. 20, 1937 in Albany, NY, the son of the late George and Mary (Sullivan) Lather. He was predeceased by his devoted wife of 51 years, Nancy Isabelle (Newell) Lather, whom he adored and wed on Nov. 18, 1961, in St. Teresa's Church in Albany. Their cherished son Andrew Lather preceded them in death in 1987, at the age of 18. Ronald was also predeceased by two older brothers, George Lather in 2000 and Gerald Lather in 2010. Ronald was a graduate of Vincentian Institute in Albany, and Siena College (Class of '59) in Loudonville, NY. From there he went on to receive his MD from Seton Hall University School of Medicine in Jersey City, NJ. He trained in internal medicine serving in the U.S. Public Health Service in Boston, MA. He then specialized in allergy and dermatology at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, LA, under his long-time mentor and friend, Dr. Vincent Derbes. In July 1967, to return closer to family and friends, Ronald and Nancy relocated to Vernon, NY, where they opened his practice in allergy and dermatology. He practiced there for 48 years until his unexpected cancer diagnosis on October 15, 2015. "Doc Lather" was known and respected for his superior diagnostic skills, and more important for his willingness to listen and help solve problems for his patients, both medical and personal, inside or outside the office. Ronald treasured being a member of the central New York community. He always commented on his love for its honest, hard-working people. Doctor to many and a friend to all, he was known for his Santa Claus beard and personality. For more than 25 years he delighted children of all ages with his signature "ho-ho-hos" and candy canes at Christmastime. He was a devoted family man, over the years following his children and grandchildren to sporting events, recitals, graduations, and more, up and down the east coast. He and Nancy loved to travel, and were especially happy when they were relaxing in North Carolina, St. Kitts, Singer Island, Daytona Beach or the Adirondacks. He was a passionate weather watcher and reporter, and an avid fan of the NY Yankees, Buffalo Bills and Syracuse Orangemen. He loved fast cars and slow games of golf. He also enjoyed spending time by the family pool with family and friends. He devoted years of his life to community service, and was an active member of the Church of the Holy Family Parish, and the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. Surviving are two sons, Ronald (Trish) Lather, MD, of New Bern, NC, and COL (Ret.) Robert (Tracy) Lather, MD, of Chesterfield, VA.; two daughters, Cynthia (Michael) Wheeler of Valatie, NY and Linda (Jack) Gould of Morehead City, NC; and one sister Mary (Robert) Heslin of Clifton Park, NY. He loved his time with his 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren: Katherine, Audrey, Ellen and Joseph Gould; Emma and Margaret Lather, and Madeline and Logan Callison; Zachary, Drew and Nathan Lather; John and Timothy Wheeler; and Kirsten Kelly Wiggins and her children Luca and Micah. He is also survived by many dear nieces, nephews, and friends. Calling hours for family and friends will be held at Malecki Funeral Home, 23 Front Street, Vernon from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 19, 2016. A memorial mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 20, at The Church of the Holy Family, 4343 Peterboro Street, Vernon. The family will hold a private burial service. Funeral arrangements are with Malecki Funeral Home in Vernon, and Cotten Funeral Home in New Bern, NC. In gratitude for Ronald's heartfelt hospice care, the family kindly requests memorial donations be made to the CCHD Hospice Foundation, Inc., P.O. Drawer 12610, New Bern, NC 28561, or in honor of his endless faith, to The Church of the Holy Family, 4343 Peterboro Street, Vernon, NY 13476.