Millard Latimer Jr.

Millard Latimer Jr.Association Member and President of Latimer & Son Funeral DirectorsMillard Latimer Jr., president of one of the largest African-American-based funeral homes in Rochester, died Friday at 81.He had suffered from lung cancer, said his wife, Monique.Latimer & Son Funeral Directors, at 983 S. Plymouth Ave., which was founded in 1922 and is billed as Rochester’s oldest African-American-owned business.Mr. Latimer’s father, Millard Latimer Sr., ran his first funeral home on Clarissa Street. His son, Millard Jr., enrolled at Howard University in a pre-dental program. When he realized that dentistry was not for him and that he wanted to follow in the family business, Mr. Latimer went to Worsham College of Mortuary in Chicago for his training. He then enlisted in the Air Force, where he saw action above Korea on a bomber crew.In 1954, Mr. Latimer returned home and started a one-year residency — a license requirement — at Latimer Funeral Home. The next year, he started working for the U.S. Postal Service and got married for the first time. His first wife died in 1971.In 1963, the family incorporated the business under a new name, Millard E. Latimer & Son Funeral Directors. Mr. Latimer became president of the company, which by then had moved to South Plymouth Avenue. His parents lived above the funeral home.Under Mr. Latimer's direction, the fmaily bought the property next door and expanded the first floor of the home to accommodate four viewings at one time. At its peak, the home handled more than 200 funerals per year.Mr. Latimer married his second wife, Monique, in 1973. She is manager of the funeral home.In addition to his wife, Mr. Latimer is survived by daughters Denise Latimer Wright of Maryland; Monique Latimer Shorey of Penfield; Lisa Latimer of San Francisco and Millena Latimer of Rochester; son Steven Latimer of Irondequoit; and three grandchildren.The services are as follows:ViewingFriday, April 1, 20115pm-8pmMount Olivet Baptist Church141 Adams StreetRochester, NY 14608Funeral ServiceSaturday, April 2, 201111 amMount Olivet Baptist ChurchCondolencesLatimer & Son Funeral Directors 983 S. Plymouth AvenueRochester, NY 14608(585) 328-2680