John Pershing Latchaw, Jr., Md

John Pershing Latchaw, Jr., MD, died suddenly of a heart attack at his secondary residence in Quincy, MA, on September 20, 2013. 

Born October 24, 1951, in Bryn Mawr, PA, Dr. Latchaw was the only child of the late John Pershing and Nancy Buttner Latchaw. 

Educated in public school, Dr. Latchaw then attended Allegheny College where he earned his undergraduate degree. He received his MD from Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA, and completed his neurosurgical residency at the Cleveland Clinic.  Over his nearly 30 years of private practice in Massachusetts, Dr. Latchaw cared for patients at South Shore Hospital, Plymouth Hospital, Boston City Hospital, BU Medical Center, Quincy Hospital, Carney Hospital and the Beth Israel Deaconess-Milton Hospital. He was devoted to his patients caring for them with empathy and humor.

In 1990, the Latchaws moved to Alton, NH, where they built their dream house on Lake Winnipesaukee and invested in several local businesses including JoGreens in Wolfeboro, NH, owned by Dr. Latchaw’s brother-in-law, Christopher Ahlgren.  Dr. Latchaw was an avid war board game strategist and war historian, frequently hosting the international on-line Freedom Fighters Wargame Club for a week of face to face play. 

Dr. Latchaw is survived by his wife of 27 years, Laurie Ahlgren Latchaw, MD, a pediatric surgeon at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, and his son, John Pershing Latchaw III, who works in public relations at Devine + Partners in Philadelphia, PA.

Visiting hours will be at the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA, on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2013 from 4-8 PM and at the Lord Funeral Home, Wolfeboro, NH, on Friday, Sept. 27, 2013 from 6-8 PM. A graveside celebration of  Dr. Latchaw’s life will be at the family site in Lakeview Cemetery, N. Main Street, Wolfeboro, NH, on Saturday Sept. 28, 2013 at 2 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to your favorite charity. Cards can be addressed to his family, 104 Hopewell Road, Alton, NH.