Joseph A. Lategano

Raised in Brooklyn, attended Brooklyn Prep, and played basketball for CYO, AAU and St. Francis College.

He held the record of 45 points in C.Y.O.- Southern Open Division for St. Athanasius 2/3/1954,

Played at St. Francis College before joining the US Army in occupied Germany during the Korean War where basketball was part recreation and part diplomacy.

After a successful career in banking (Chemical Bank), Joe, as an avid golfer, landed his parachute in North Myrtle Beach where for 30 years he called home.

Coach Joe became very active with the NMB Recreation Department eventually serving as Chairman of the Recreation Commission.

He was so proud of the growth of North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports complex, helping to acquire hundreds of acres for recreational use, hosting baseball to quidditch tournaments from all over the US. The city honored him in 2019 by naming the basketball court for him for his to years dedicated to coaching NMB kids and his lifelong passion of “the game.”

When not on the basketball court, he could be heard as the “voice of the Chanticleers” serving as track and field announcer and official at Coastal Carolina University.

He is predeceased by the love of his life and wife of 52 years, Mary, and his best friend Buddy, his four legged companion. He leaves behind two daughters Barbara (Keith Moran) of Rock Hill, SC and Cristyne (Nick Nicholas) of Pelham Manor, NY and 5 grandchildren who he loved to the moon and back, TJ and Beth Moran, Rebecca, Lucas and Samantha Nicholas as well as his nieces who loved him like a dad.

There will be a celebration of Joe’s life on Monday, August 7th at 6:00 PM on the Joe Lategano basketball court at the J. Byron Floyd Community Center on Possum Trot Road in North Myrtle Beach.

In lieu of flowers, to honor his commitment to youth sports and the youth of the community, donations made in Coach Joe’s honor will be used to fund opportunities for the youth of North Myrtle Beach to play basketball. This is a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to helping young people reach their full potential and find joy in a game he loved so much.

Make checks payable to: City of North Myrtle Beach c/o Coach Joe Lategano

Mail to: North Myrtle Beach Parks and Recreation

1018 Second Ave. South

North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leefhandcrematory.com for the Lategano family.