Carol Latta and David McEneany
“We are star dust. Heavenly made.”
Carol and David have been blessed with a wonderful life - a journey that began with family and expanded to touch thousands of hearts and souls. Together, they explored the world from the Rockies to the Himalayas, yet always found their greatest joy at their dream home on Lake Ontario, the site of many family gatherings, host site for Camp Cousins for their 15 grandchildren, Longest Day Parties, Observing nights, and Eclipse Viewings, Happy Hours, and quiet relaxation.
Carol loved being a mom, a nana, a Billiever - the Bills make her wanna shout, sharing life with Dave and their family and friends, and attending events and performances with their grandkids.
Beyond family, which was always number one, Carol and Dave believed that we are all connected and we are here to make a difference. For over 40 years, Carol and Dave served multiple roles as Special Olympics Volunteers, Dave as Regional Director overseeing training and competition for 1600 athletes and accompanying Team USA to the International Special Olympics Games in Greece. But the role they loved best was as Coach Carol and Coach Dave for the Heritage Nordic Ski and Snowshoe team, where David continues his service.
After successful careers at Xerox Corporation, Carol and David chose paths to explore, connect, and make a difference: with Carol reaching for the stars, while David set his sights on positively impacting the lives of at-risk Jamaican children. Their impact was as vast as the cosmos Carol loved.
Carol served as the Director of the University of Rochester Outreach Program, responsible for Mees Observatory Tours, which enriched the lives of over 4,800 individuals through public awareness and understanding of the latest discoveries and mysteries of the cosmos. Many memorable Starry Nights. She also partnered with U of R professors, creating a business called Truth and Beauty and co-authored an innovative e-textbook, "At Play in the Cosmos."
Carol was an active member of the Astronomy Section of the Rochester Academy of Science (ASRAS) for over 25 years, including many in leadership roles, President for 5 Years, and Founder of the Young Astronomers Program, which provided hands-on summer science camps for hundreds of children. Carol was named a Fellow of the Rochester Academy of Science for her contributions to astronomy outreach, exposing thousands to the wonder of the universe. “Cosmos Carol” was her most appropriate name on the web. Upon her passing, the U of R lowered the flags to half-mast in recognition of Carol’s years of service and impact on the community.
Continuing Carol’s impact through her legacy, the family established a scholarship fund enabling students to participate in educational programs at the Strasenburgh Planetarium at the Rochester Museum and Science Center.
Building on his experience with Special Olympics, Dave (aka the JASYMon) created an International Service Program called JASY (Jamaican Advantage through Sports for Youth). JASY provides summer sports and recreation camps for economically disadvantaged Jamaican youth from the Kingston area. JASY was recognized by the Office of the Prime Minister and featured on Jamaica National TV coverage for its positive impact in youth character development. JASY Camps have positively impacted the lives of 2700 children, made possible by 900 US and Jamaican volunteers and countless generous donors. In 2025, after close to a 20-year stretch, JASY declared “Mission Accomplished” - 3600 lives positively impacted!
Indeed, it’s been a very good life for Carol and Dave. Their journey and legacy continue, starting with their amazing, diverse family and extending to the hearts and souls of those they have touched.
Though Carol has passed on, she is joined by her soulmate, David, on a final adventure in the heavens above. Carol and Dave have booked passage on a memorial space flight to be launched from Cape Canaveral. The rocket is called “Serenity,” a perfect name for a capsule containing their DNA. Together, their essence (DNA) will orbit the Pale Blue Dot, where they made such a profound difference. Eventually, their capsule will re-enter the atmosphere, harmlessly vaporizing like a shooting star, in a final tribute. Star dust once again.
Carol and David in the heavens above and forever in our hearts.
