Mitchell Jay Lathers

Bolar, VA

Mitchell Jay Lathers, 69, husband of Susan E. (Mackerer) Lathers, of Bolar, passed away Sunday, September 4, 2022 at his home surrounded by family.  

Born January 2, 1953 in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, he was a son of the late Julian Harris and the late Irene June (Pixley) Lathers.  Mitchell grew up in West Lebanon, NY and graduated from New Lebanon High School in 1971.   He worked for the family roofing business, Columbia County Roofing, for over 20 years, and later started his own roofing company, School House Contracting in 1992.  Mitchell was very active for years with the local Little League and help start and grow the Senior Little League Program in New Lebanon.   Mitchell relocated to Highland County in 2018 following his retirement.

He will be fondly remembered as an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting deer and turkey, as well as game birds with his many hunting dogs.   Equally, “Mitch” enjoyed traveling to antique and tag sales, riding his lawn mowers, snowmobiles and motorcycles, making furniture, gardening, and “playing the ponies” at the local OTB or Saratoga race track.  He loved a good fire in the wood stove and sitting near it for its warmth while he read or engaged in lively talk.   He looked forward to the fall and the changing colors because that meant deer season was soon to start.  But rejoiced again in the spring when the warm weather started and he could plan his gardens and work in the yard.   He was also considered a well-studied history buff, with a particular interest in early American History and Constitutional principles.  He was a man that firmly knew who he was, resolute in his convictions and passionate about his beliefs.  But above all, Mitchell was a family man and provider, who found no greater joy in life than time spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren. 

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Tracy Lathers.  

Surviving family members include his wife of 49 years; 2 daughters, Crystal D. Cmar and husband, Matthew of Saltsburg, PA and Amy D. Lathers of Sewickley, PA; sons, Jarrett H. Lathers and wife, Marjorie of Stafford and Aaron M. Lathers of Bolar; grandchildren, Jack and Abigayle Lathers, Elliott Michael and Ethan Cmar; brother, Steven Lathers of New Lebanon, NY; sister, Jennifer Lathers of East Chatham, NY; as well as several nieces and nephews.  

In keeping with his wishes, Mitchell’s ashes will be placed in a location special to him by his family. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, PO Box 937, Verona, VA 24482-0937, also at https://www.brafb.org/   or the Nassau-Shatford Baseball Association, donations payable to Nassau-Shatford Baseball, PO Box 293, Nassau, NY 12123