George A. Latimer

Age 89, of Saint Paul, Minnesota. Born June 20, 1935 in Poughkeepsie, New York, died August 18, 2024 at Episcopal Homes in St. Paul.

Latimer is preceded in death by his brothers, William and Philip, and wife of 47 years, Nancy Moore Latimer.

Survived by their 5 children, Faith (the late Josh Tilsen), George Jr., Phil (Silvia), Kate (Vince) Courtney, and Tom (Anne Gueinzius); 11 grandchildren, Rosalind, Sophia, Irene Katey, Haley, Gina, George (G3), Philip, Marco, Ryan Nancy, John, and Claire; and great grandchild Aubrey; as well as many members of the extended Latimer and Moore families. He is also survived by dear friend, Dusty Mairs.

George, the youngest of 3 boys, grew up in Schenectady, New York where his family ran a neighborhood grocery store/deli, "Latimer's." He had fond memories of his mother, "Dolly," making potato salad in the back room of the store, playing basketball at the Jewish Community Center, taking the train into the city alone as a young boy to catch a Yankees game, and, never having to fight because everyone knew how tough his big brother Bill was. George attended St. Columba Grade School where he served as an altar boy and considered that fulfilled his lifetime of Sunday obligations (listening to Italian opera and creating "everything in the 'fridge" omelets while Nancy brought the kids to St. Luke's was his Sunday ritual). While George was working at the local A & P store with her brother, Jim, George met Nancy Moore. They courted as he attended St. Michael's college in Vermont while Nancy attended Cornell University in Ithica, New York, both scholarship kids. He studied under a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship at the University of Chicago, followed by a law degree from Columbia University. They moved to Saint Paul, MN for a job at then Robin's, Davis, & Lyon's Law Firm. He worked as a labor lawyer, served on the Saint Paul School Board, and became Mayor of Saint Paul in 1976, serving for 14 years. He also served as a Regent at the University of Minnesota, Dean of Hamline University School of Law, an Under Secretary for Housing and Urban Development during the Clinton Administration, Chair of the National Equity Fund, President of the National League of Cities, a Distinguished Professor at Macalester College, a Labor Arbitrator, and as a member of countless volunteer boards and committees.

George's exuberant love for all around him made the world love him back. George and Nancy were an intellectual and spiritual match. We, their family, could not be more grateful to move forward in this world with their love inside of us.

Mass of Christian Burial, 10:00 am Monday, August 26 at the Church of the Assumption, 51 West 7th St, Saint Paul, MN 55102.

Visitation 8:30-10am prior to the mass.

Private Interment.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to People Inc, Mental Health Services; The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library; or The Bridge for Youth homeless shelter.