Edward Karol Lattanzi, 47, of Edgartown and formerly of Sarasota, Fla., died peacefully on May 9, 2010, on his beloved Martha’s Vineyard.
Edward was a son, brother, uncle, husband, and friend. He loved his family, they loved him, and he was adored by many.
Born on Nov. 16, 1962 in New Haven, Conn., he grew up in Madison and graduated from Daniel Hand High School in 1980. He went on to pursue a career in culinary arts and became an outstanding chef. He had an immense passion for food, drink, and merriment, and an extraordinary talent for cooking. He presented his creations with an artful flare. He put his heart and soul into his cooking at fine dining restaurants, country clubs, local watering holes, and for private clients from New England to Florida, Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
A curious spirit and effervescent charm was the essence of Edward. He was generous, compassionate, humble, and fun-loving, with a great sense of humor. He was intellectually gifted in many subjects and particularly liked mathematics, astronomy, physics, theology, and natural history. He was always open for a little intellectual stimulation.
Edward had a natural ability to connect with people, and he had many, many personal and Facebook friends. He was a free-thinker, computer geek, and animal lover. He loved music, watching movies, photography, nature, and was a collector extraordinaire.
Edward cared deeply about and was an advocate for animals and their rights. He was especially fond of felines and goats. He was unfailingly dedicated to saving unwanted and abused animals. With his wife, Kathe, they grew their small farm into their own animal rescue haven. He was a caretaker, a nurturer, and he ensured that his animals had everything they needed to live out their lives happily and healthily.
Surviving are his mother, Valerie Lash Lattanzi, his sisters Andrea Lattanzi Lotreck and her husband, David Lotreck, of Amston, Conn.; and Valerie Lattanzi and her husband, Brand Filkins, of East Moriches, N.Y.; and his brother Albert A.Lattanzi and his wife, Catherine, of Edgartown. He was the cherished uncle of Daria and Drew Lotreck and Sophia Fibkins. He is also survived by his former wife, Kathleen Kiley-Lattanzi and their beloved clutter of cats, goats, and an ox, José.
Donations in Edward’s memory may be made to the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard, One Pennywise Path, Edgartown, 02539, PETA, or your local no-kill animal shelter.
An Island gathering to celebrate Edward’s life will be held on Sunday, June 6, at 11 am on Menemsha Beach, followed by an informal reception at Saltwater restaurant on Beach Road in Vineyard Haven, from 1 to 3 pm. All are welcome. For more information, contact Kathe at 508-360-3710 or mvykat@gmail.com.
