Roger R. Lathrop

Roger Lathrop, 52, of Millerton PA, passed away unexpectedly on January 23, 2025. He died doing what he loved - serving his community as a volunteer firefighter. Roger leaves behind his wife of 30 years Ginger (Wright) Lathrop; their three children - Grace (Nicholas) Call, Ryder Lathrop (Ciara Pine), and Gabby Lathrop; and Rachel Hickok who he loved as a daughter.

Roger was born in Elmira, NY at St. Joseph's hospital. He was a 1991 graduate of Troy High School, Troy, PA. Following graduation he attended Mansfield University to pursue an associate’s degree in Respiratory Care Therapy, which he received in 1993. He then continued his education at Mansfield and received a bachelor’s degree in 2000. Roger also received a master’s degree in Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management from Elmira College in 2011. He worked for The Guthrie Clinic since 1997, starting as a respiratory therapist and advanced to clinical instructor in the School of Respiratory Therapy, as well as System Director of Care Management, Corporate Compliance Officer and Senior Director of Audit and Compliance. Roger had recently received the title and honor of Assistant Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer.

Beyond his professional life, Roger was an active member of his community and served countless organizations. Roger, who was the rescue captain, ran with the Big Elm Volunteer Fire Department as a firefighter and EMT. He was also heavily involved in various Troy School District booster clubs, for both music and sports, to support his children and everyone who participated. He volunteered as a coach and umpire with the Troy and Wells-Jackson little leagues. Toward the end of his coaching career, he served as the head coach for the Troy Legion baseball team. He also served on the board for the Area Agency on Aging. Additionally, Roger had a joy for officiating weddings and officiated ceremonies for many friends and loved ones.

In his free time, there was nothing Roger loved more than spending time with his family and friends, especially his closest friend Dean (Chris) Koser. He also loved to ride his motorcycle, both solo and with friends. Roger was an avid hunter and loved wandering the woods with friends and spending time in the deer stand with his son.

Above all else, Roger was a man who carried his heart on his sleeve and truly cared for everyone he met. You never left an interaction wondering where you stood with him. He loved with his whole heart and it shone wherever he went. Roger will be greatly missed by countless friends, co-workers and family. He was the heart of both the Lathrop and Wright families, always serving as a constant source of love, humor, support, and unwavering strength.

Roger was preceded in death by: his grandparents - Ray and Wanda Hungerford, Carl and Edna Lathrop, Charles and Florence Holloway, Carolyn Wright, and Curt and Marian Spalding; his sister Kelley Bailey; and his nephew Scott Nichols. He is survived by: his parents Linda Lathrop, and Max and Jean Lathrop; his siblings - Gary Nichols, Donna (Daniel) Donahue, Brian Bailey, Jerry (Rebecca) Shoemaker, Richard (Becky) Lathrop, and Bradd (Eileen) Saltzgiver; his mother- and father-in-law, Ed and Cheryl Wright; his sister- and brother-in-law, Taffy (Phil) Bowman; and above and beyond cousin, best friend, and brother, Byron (Michele) Wright, chief of the Big Elm Volunteer Fire Department. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews - Breyanna (Andrew) Locke, Jeffrey (Nicole) Bellinger, Branigan (Taryn) Donahue, Jordan Goodwin, Abbey (Alex) Walker, Nicole (Joshua) Sindoni, Jessica (Nick) Delaney, Courtney (Joshua) Kramer, Stephen Shoemaker, Marisa (Todd) Kellar, Kendra (Chase) Brown, Emily Lathrop (Alex Smith); Ethan, Emma, Evan and Eli Saltzgiver; Jasmine and Brooke Bowman; and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and great-nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Big Elm Volunteer Fire Department, P.O.Box 249 Millerton, PA 16936; Troy Music Boosters, 45 Bristol Lane, Troy, PA 16947; Troy Track and Field Boosters, in care of Bonnie Seeley - FCCB, 1133 W. Main Street, Troy, PA 16947; or to Wells-Jackson Little League, 213 Purcell Road, Gillett, PA 16925.

Friends and family are invited to Olthof Funeral Home, 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, in Elmira, NY for calling hours on Monday, January 27 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with a LODD Fireman's Service to follow at 7:15 PM. Visitation will resume on Tuesday morning at 10:00 AM and continue until 12:00 PM when his funeral service will begin. He will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony at a later date.

Those who are unable to attend the funeral service in person are invited to watch a recording of the services which will be available shortly after the services conclude.