Pam grew up in Glen Cove, NY and graduated Glen Cove High School in 1969. She then attended the State University of New York at Fredonia and graduated with her BA in 1973. A year later, in 1974, she received her MA in education, also from Fredonia State University.
Shortly after graduation, Pam, a Fulbright scholar, traveled abroad on a federal grant to teach linguistics in Poland for 2 years.
Upon her return from Poland, she began her 29 year career with the Fairfax County Public school system in Virginia where she worked in several elementary schools, a middle school and high school. While working, Pam continued her studies and earned her Doctorate in Education Administration.
In the 1980’s Pam worked in the county’s administrative office, developing the school system’s central registration program and eventually became the school system’s Director of Student Services.
In 2003 she was initiated as a member of Phi Delta Kappa International, a prestigious professional association in education.
Pam always had a burning desire to return to the schools to work with children again, and in 1993 she was appointed as Principal of Centreville High School in Fairfax County, Virginia where she finished her 29 year career and retired in 2004 after 11 years as Principal.
Near the end of her career Pam also was an adjunct Professor at George Mason University
In 2002 she was selected by Naval Chief Henry Fernandez as one of twelve educators to be an honorary tailhooker. She jumped on the opportunity and flew with Naval pilots from Norfolk, Virginia to the USS John F. Kennedy where she landed on the flight deck.
In 2003 Pam was bestowed the honor of being named Lady Fairfax for her service and contributions to the community.
Pam’s retirement didn’t last very long as she moved to New York City in 2005 to be near her son. While in New York she yearned to get back in the education field and started her own consulting business. The New York City Department of Education’s Legal Division contracted her to visit troubled schools where she consulted with Principals and staff for the purpose of elevating the schools’ rankings. She was given the title of School District Administrator. Pam did this for 5 years until she and her future husband, Joseph Silecchia, decided to move to Florida where they settled in Port St. Lucie.
In her spare time after retirement, Pam enjoyed painting and sculpting, troubleshooting computers, which she found very challenging, NY Mets baseball, and most of all ocean beaches which she frequented often. She’s said that being by the ocean was soul soothing and offered her solitude and solace during troubled times.
Pam is predeceased by her son Jeremy Latt who passed away at the age of 32 in 2014.
She is survived by her husband Joseph Silecchia, sisters Dawn Vuicich of West Palm Beach, Melanie Vuicich Mallis/husband Barry Mallis of Sedona, Arizona, LeeAnne Snipes of Orlando, Stepdaughter Jean Silecchia and husband Cody Smouse, and step grandchildren Bennett Smouse and Taylor Smouse.
