Norman Anthony LaTorre

Norman Anthony LaTorre, aged 81, of Gahanna died at home early on Valentine's Day. He now joins his childhood love and bride of 56 years Melanie, granddaughter Aubrey Rebecca, and brothers Rocky, Mel, John and Joe. Norm grew up in Columbus' original Flytown and was a 1955 West High grad and talented vocalist. He eventually traded voice for camera, photographing countless weddings throughout the 70s and 80s as "Photography by LaTorre". He retired from the City of Columbus Division of Water, and had more hobbies and "fun" jobs than anyone: Kroger clerk, a Sexton of Reynoldsburg Church of the Redeemer, "Soup Guy" at the Columbus Academy and driver for Tri-star school transportation. He made wine, beer, ravioli and meatballs that cannot be duplicated. He was a reenactor at the Ohio Historical Society village and, in memory of Aubrey, volunteered at Nationwide Children's Hospital for 20 years. Birds were watched, acres were landscaped and coins and guns were collected. Norm was well-read and was the original Google to all who had the pleasure of crossing his path. We still aren't sure if he was making it all up! "MelandNorm" were two peas in a pod since 1952 when they met at the Hilltop pool. One was rarely seen without the other. They loved to drive south "until it got warm", often ending up in Charleston and loving a yearly trip to Ocean City, Maryland. To Melanie's chagrin, no American battlefield went unseen. Surviving and missing Norm are daughter and son in law Rebecca and John Schmitt of Gahanna; grandsons Jacob (Erin) and greats Josephine and August; Jordan (Ashlee); and Ian (Elizabeth). Also surviving are sisters Roseanne (Lou DeSantis), MaryLou (Bob MacNabb), brother Tony (Vicki), brother-in-law, Howard Davies (Sue), along with many nieces and nephews. A celebration of Norm's life will be held at a later date. Please contact Becky at [email protected] for details.