Laté F. Lawson, of Warwick, NY, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, after his second battle with cancer. As a martial artist, Laté faced that fight with the same strength, discipline, and determination that defined so much of his life. Those who knew him knew that Laté could never lose a fight, and his family chooses to remember this final one not as a defeat, but as a draw. He was 65 years old.
Born in Lomé, Togo, in West Africa, Laté was the son of Isidore and Comfort Lawson. His deep appreciation for music was matched by his commitment to his family. He was a dutiful son, a loving brother, and a devoted father.
Laté served as the store manager of CVS in Warwick, where he was known as a diligent and thoughtful leader. He approached his work with integrity, treated his colleagues with respect, and believed deeply in the value of hard work.
For well over a decade, Laté devoted himself to the study and practice of Taekwondo, ultimately earning his fifth-degree black belt. This achievement reflected not only his technical mastery, but also his discipline, leadership, and deep understanding of the philosophy of the art. He carried these principles with him throughout his personal and professional life, including in his managerial style.
Laté was also a lifelong lover of music in all its forms, with a particular fondness for jazz and soul. That appreciation could be seen in his smooth, distinctive, and impeccable sense of style.
Laté is survived by his beloved wife, Sika; his two sons, Christopher A. Lawson and his fiancée, Alannah Lejeune, of Astoria, NY, and Alex M. Lawson of Warwick, NY; along with his three sisters and their families in Togo.
Memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, October 24, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with a service of remembrance beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Lazear-Smith & Vander Plaat Memorial Home, 17 Oakland Avenue, Warwick, NY. Inurnment will follow at Warwick Cemetery, 50 Oakland Avenue, Warwick.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Laté’s name to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or online at https://donate.cancer.org