Benny Latino has been a popular Hammond resident and beloved member of the community
for many years. He is known for his kind, giving nature, and helping others. Benny
is the longtime business owner of Kelly’s Diner now named Benny’s Place in downtown
Hammond. Benny and his wife Helen Lott were married fifty-two years before her passing.
Together they have three children and three grandchildren.
In 2015, Benny had a massive stroke and was in a coma for two days and in the hospital
for two months. He had to start completely over, learning how to walk, talk, and function
in everyday life again. Benny worked with Roxanne Stoehr, and her students at Southeastern’s
Speech Language and Hearing Clinic, to regain his speech over a five-year period.
In 2018, the Speech Pathology Department that played such a huge role in his transformation
and the Communications Science Department chose to do a documentary on Mr. Latino,
“To Speak Again”. This documentary went on to win a number of first place awards,
including “Best Documentary” from the Associated Press Louisiana-Mississippi College
Broadcasters.
Benny continues to say that he could not thank Southeastern for all they have done
to help him. Benny purchased a home to be close to Southeastern, to attend games
and to visit campus daily. He purchased a convertible truck and had a Southeastern
Logo put on the sides, which he just recently donated to the University. There’s really
only one way to say this: Benny Latino Jr loves Southeastern and will forever bleed
green and gold.
