Frank Paul Latino

Frank Latino, beloved by all his 4 children; Linda, Doris, Anne and John, survived by his dedicated and selfless wife Britt.  
He worked many late hours all his life, commuted into the city so his children could have a safe suburban childhood. Then put them all through college, without the burden of student loans, weddings, and wonderful Long Beach Island summer vacations with memories of crabbing on the bay and making a huge pot of Paella. He supported his family and friends in everything they did. Charming all who met him, he had the quick wit to make them laugh, which made many friends and made customers into personal friends. 
He lost his father at a young age, and with his brothers, was a great help to his Mother and Aunt growing up and working in NYC. He worked hard his whole life, starting young, with his brothers starting out under his father as one of the pioneers and formative creative forces of the Industry now known as Display. When needed, he served the country in the Navy at the end of the second World War.
He came back to become one of the most recognized names in the Display Industry in America. With his brother Charles, they invigorated a dynamic company that their immigrant grandfather originally started in the early 1900’s. It later evolved into “Discoveries” – one of the oldest, most respected Display company in the country, if not the world. 
One of “Discoveries” most impressive achievements is creating the world’s largest Christmas Tree in the Contemporary Hotel, also decorating the Polynesian Hotel for the grand opening of Disney World in Orlando, Florida in 1971. 
Discoveries designed and installed a winter wonderland at Saks Fifth Avenue, N.Y. of an enchanted forest of snow laden trees arched over the aisles. It is still continued as it is now an integral part of the Seasonal identity of Saks, so much so, that in order to film the Christmas season movie Falling in Love with Meryl Streep and Robert De Niro he was hired to do a one day installation for a July filming schedule. 
 
Frank was inducted into the NADI, (National Association of Display Industries, Inc.) “Hall of Fame” in 1981.
 
He has written several books on themes from poetry to murder/suspense.
One of his books was,  The Legend of Holly Boy – an award-winning Christmas children’s book.  To accompany this story, he wrote a song that was scored by Quincy Jones early in his career.
Most of all he was a dedicated, present, loving and thoughtful father and husband. He will be deeply missed.
Family will receive friends Friday, May 11, 2018, from 5-8pm at the funeral home. A funeral service will be held Saturday, May 12, 2018, 11am at the funeral home with full military honors. Burial will be held in New Jersey.

Professional arrangements by:
Gary Panoch Funeral Home
6140 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33487

561-997-8580
www.gpanochfunerals.com

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