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Thaddeus "Lats" Bench

August 14, 1934 - December 19, 2023

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Obituary For Thaddeus "Lats" Bench

Age 89, of Baldwin, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 and went into the loving arms of his beloved wife LaVonne M. (Knechtel) Bench. They were married 65 years.

He leaves behind their cherished children Judith Sopko and fiancé Tim Pechastko (the late James Sopko), Raymond and Charmaine Bench and Matthew and Jennifer Bench; adored Pap of Christine Collier, Andrew Sopko, Luke and Megan Bench and Benjamin and Anjela Bench; great-grandfather of Lily and Garrett Collier and Emery Bench; brother of Leonard Bench, Claire Breisinger, Claudia Lang and the late Edward, Connie, Jerome and Daniel. Lats served in the U.S. Army, he loved hunting, fishing and camp, especially his beloved chalet.

Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227 on Friday, December 22, 2023 from 3-8 p.m. Funeral prayer on Saturday morning at 9:45. Mass of Christian Burial in Blessed Trinity Parish, St. Albert the Great Church at 10:30 a.m. with full military honors to follow.

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Condolences

  • December 25, 2023

    Joanne Bench Pantanella Crumling

    Sending my love to my cousins, Judy, Ray, and Matt and their children and grandchildren. Uncle Latz (apparently I'm the only one not in on the correct spelling) was a really great guy and such a character. I remember him telling this story.... One summer he was out picking tomatoes in his garden. He leaned down and pick a HUGE one. He stood up and called to his neighbor to look at the size of that tomato!!! The neighbor couldn't believe it!! Uncle Latz didn't tell the neighbor that he had been visiting with my late father-in-law, Tony Pantanella and got the tomato from him 😂. Although it's been a while since I've been to a reunion, I remember lots of years at Pymatuning and also Christmases with the uncs, aunts, and cousins. Good times ❤️

  • December 22, 2023

    Stephanie & Jake Paul

    Dear LaVonne & Family, so sorry for your Loss. Lats was Bigger than Life. Christmas will Never be the same. Keeping you in our prayers!!! God bless you all. Jake & Stephanie Paul

  • December 21, 2023

    Mary Beth Castelli (Liz)

    So many happy memories that will all be blessings for us. Uncle Lats was a wonderful human being who looked out for his family. Only good thoughts, but sadness that he's no longer with us. Heartfelt sympathies to his immediate family members including his sisters Claire and Claudia; his brother Len; Judy, Tim, Ray, Charmagne, Matt, Jenny; Chrissy, Garrett, Lily, Andy, Luke, Ben, Anjela, Megan, and Emory. May he rest in peace beside all his dearly departed brothers and sister. Love you Uncle Lats!